Grand National 2026 runners and riders: Full list of confirmed horses and jockeys

The 34 horses taking part in this year’s Grand National have now been officially confirmed.

The line-up is headed by the favourite I Am Maximus, who won the iconic steeplechase for trainer Willie Mullins in 2024.

The 10 year-old then finished as runner-up to stablemate Nick Rockett in last year’s race – the duo leading home a Mullins 1-2-3 with Grangeclare West rounding out the top spots.

Paul Townend will once again ride I Am Maximus, while Patrick Mullins – who has switched from Nick Rockett to Grangeclare West – is aiming to become just the tenth jockey to win the National in successive years.

The vacancy left with Nick Rockett has been filled by British jockey Tom Bellamy, who won the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

Last year’s top three make up a third of the nine horses Mullins has entered into the 2026 race, which also includes the likes of Spanish Harlem and Lecky Watson.

A fourth victory at the Grand National for the legendary Irishman will see him join Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell as the most successful trainers in the history of the race.

Elsewhere, there was something of a surprise with the declaration of Spillane’s Tower, who is also set to run in the Bowl race on Thursday.

Should the JP McManus-owned horse compete in the first day of Aintree, then his spot in the National will be taken by first reserve Pied Piper.

The reserve deadline is 1pm on Friday, with Imperial Saint, Amirite, Ain’t That A Shame, Deep Cave and Buddy One next in line should any of the runners listed pull out.

This is the first time in Grand National history that the final declarations have been made 72 hours in advance of the big race.

Traditionally the final list was confirmed 48 hours before the start, but Jockey Club organisers have introduced the change in an attempt to build more anticipation for the National.

The move brings the Aintree showpiece in line with other major horse racing events, including the Epsom Derby, which did so last year.

This is also the third time the National has been held with 34 runners since the field was reduced from 40 in 2024.

The reduction in size is aimed at enhancing the overall safety of the event, with the race notoriously one of the most dangerous in the sport.

Grand National 2026 runners and riders: Full list of confirmed horses and jockeys

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