Grand National 2026 Entries – How The 78 Contenders Are Shaping Up In The Odds

The Grand National 2026 is shaping up as a high‑class, albeit slightly smaller renewal, with 78 horses entered and a tight-knit group of familiar names at the head of the betting.

Scheduled to be run at Aintree on Saturday 11 April 2026 at 4pm, there is a share of £1 million up for grabs for those brave enough ot take on 30 of the toughest fences in Jumps racing.

The maximum field size is now 34 runners, a cut from historical limits that reflects the sport’s push for improved safety and manageability.

And while it is understandable that the BHA would want to tweak the race to increase safety, it now seems that the chances of actually making the cut are so low that some trainers can’t even be bothered entering their horses.

That is why, when the initial entries were revealed on 3 February 2026, a lot of racing fans were surprised to see just 78 horses on the list. For reference, that is significantly down from 90 in 2025, and even more significantly, the 126 that were entered just 10 years ago in 2016.

From a betting perspective, though, the overall shape of the market doesn’t necessarily change just because there are fewer entries; firms like browinner casino will still price up a full range of options, but you tend to see fewer horses available at each individual price point rather than gaps in the odds market.

Entries and Weight Structure

Despite this, the Grand National still offers depth from Britain and Ireland, with a strong Irish contingent and representation from all the major staying-chase yards.

As ever, the race is a handicap, and each horse is allotted a weight based on its official rating, with the best horses carrying the most and theoretically bringing the field closer together at the line.

For 2026, the top weight in the National is set at 11st 12lb, with the minimum at 10st 2lb. This sits within the modern pattern, where recent winners such as Nick Rockett in 2025 have carried relatively high burdens (he won off 11st 8lb), underlining that class is increasingly important despite the handicap.

The two‑pound safety allowance introduced in 2022 remains in place and is built into the published figures, effectively raising the published weights across the board but giving jockeys a little more leeway.

At this stage, before the official list of weights is published, it is clear that previous winners and Grade 1 performers like Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus, and Grangeclare West are likely to be near the top of the list, reflecting their high ratings and past achievements in this race.

Leading Contenders and Betting Markets Taking Shape

Ante‑post betting on the 2026 Grand National has already formed a solid market, with a cluster of horses between single‑figure and 25/1 taking most of the early support. Prices do vary between firms, but a consistent group of names features at the top of most betting markets.

Current market leader Iroko heads many lists, having run a huge race when fourth in the 2025 National and boasting a previous Cheltenham Festival win on his CV.

Still only eight, he fits the profile of a progressive staying chaser with proven Aintree experience and the potential to improve again with another year under his belt.

Panic Attack sits among the early favourites at around 20/1, representing Dan Skelton and arriving with a string of recent wins that suggest a mare on the up. If connections decide to aim her at Aintree, as she also has Cheltenham entries, many will see her as a solid each‑way proposition at double‑figure odds.

Familiar Grand National Names

I Am Maximus is another key player in the market and brings a remarkable Aintree record to the table. Winner of the 2024 Grand National and runner‑up in 2025 behind stablemate Nick Rockett, he has already shown that the fences and trip hold no fears, though he will be 10 years old by the 2026 renewal and likely burdened with a lofty weight.

Nick Rockett (descendant of Flemensfirth), the 2025 winner at 33/1, is looking for a repeat bid, with the caveat that history is firmly against back‑to‑back National winners. The handicapper will have little choice but to push him towards, or even into, top‑weight territory after scoring off 11st 8lb last year.

Nonetheless, punters who backed him in 2025 may be tempted to stay loyal at bigger prices given his proven course aptitude.

The possibility of Mullins fielding another powerful squad raises the prospect of his yard dominating the market and perhaps the race itself once more.

Solid Each‑way Players

Among the more progressive types, Haiti Couleurs and Captain Cody are attracting interest with both boasting major staying‑chase credentials away from Aintree.

Haiti Couleurs enjoyed a stellar 2024–25 campaign, winning the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and the Irish Grand National, before going on to win the Welsh Grand National in December.

Captain Cody, meanwhile, redeemed a mishap at Cheltenham by landing the Scottish Grand National, showing the stamina and jumping that could translate well to Aintree if connections decide to roll the dice.

Lecky Watson and Better Days Ahead offer appeal to those seeking unexposed horses who could take a big step forward with another season’s experience.

Lecky Watson’s novice chase campaign was largely positive before a fall at Punchestown interrupted his progress, while Better Days Ahead shaped well when sixth in the Irish Grand National after stepping markedly up in trip and class.

Both hail from top Irish yards and could see their odds contract sharply if they post another strong staying‑chase performance before April.

Looking Ahead To April

With the field capped at 34 and the entry list stacked with proven stayers and previous National performers, the 2026 race is likely to be run at a solid but controlled tempo, emphasising efficient jumping and the ability to travel smoothly in a big field.

Horses with previous Aintree experience, like I Am Maximus, Nick Rockett, Grangeclare West, and Iroko, gain a clear edge, as they have already shown they can handle the unique questions posed by the National fences and the crowd‑charged atmosphere.

From a betting perspective, the shape of the market should tighten dramatically once weights are unveiled on 17 February and trainers commit more firmly to Aintree plans.

Punters looking for value may prefer backing improving horses at each‑way prices before the final field hardens, while those prioritising proven National form will gravitate towards the likes of Iroko and I Am Maximus nearer the day, even at shorter odds.