The lineup for the 2026 Randox Grand National at Aintree has been finalized with a full contingent of 34 horses, the maximum allowed for the prestigious £1 million race scheduled for Saturday and set to be televised live by ITV.
Leading the pack is I Am Maximus, owned by JP McManus and trained by Willie Mullins, the victor of the 2024 edition and runner-up last year. The competition includes Nick Rockett, another Mullins-trained horse who finished first in a memorable Mullins 1-2-3 lineup, with Grangeclare West securing third place. Mullins aims to match the record of the most successful trainers in the race’s history alongside Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell by claiming a fourth Grand National title.
Paul Townend is expected to stick with I Am Maximus, while amateur jockey Patrick Mullins will maintain his partnership with Nick Rockett. The field includes other strong contenders like Grangeclare West, Panic Attack trained by Dan Skelton, and Iroko and Jagwar, both owned by McManus and trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, respectively.
Notably, Willie Mullins has confirmed all nine of his horses for the race, including a surprise entry of Spillane’s Tower, who will also compete in the Bowl at Aintree on Thursday.
The event is scheduled for 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026, and promises an exciting showdown among the top contenders. Additionally, a detailed 48-page guide to the 2026 Randox Grand National is available for enthusiasts seeking in-depth insights and coverage of the iconic steeplechase event.
