The 2026 Randox Grand National is set to feature the maximum field of 34 runners, with Willie Mullins’ I Am Maximus aiming to repeat history by becoming the first horse since Red Rum to reclaim the famous steeplechase crown. Red Rum, an Aintree legend trained by Ginger McCain, remains the only horse to have won the Grand National multiple times non-consecutively, with victories in 1973, 1974, and 1977.
I Am Maximus, adorned with cheekpieces for only the second time—the first time being December 2022—is the standout contender. The horse won the National in 2024 under Paul Townend and narrowly missed repeating in 2025, finishing second to stablemate Nick Rockett, who was ridden by Patrick Mullins. This year, Tom Bellamy takes the ride on the defending champion, while Patrick will pilot Grangeclare West, who finished third last year and is the Bobbyjo Chase winner.
From Gloucestershire, Ben Pauling’s Twig, based near Cheltenham in the Cotswolds, returns with renewed hopes after finishing 10th last year. Twig’s recent victory in the Becher Chase has revived ambitions for a strong National performance. The horse will be ridden by Beau Morgan, the 21-year-old son of the owner. Pauling highlighted Twig’s affinity for the course and fences and expressed optimism about maintaining a good pace early in the race to improve on last year’s performance.
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Another local hopeful is Marble Sands, trained by David Killahena and Graeme McPherson in Stow-On-The-Wold, Gloucestershire. Together, these two horses represent strong local aspirations in the 2026 event.
Additional notable entries include Rebecca Curtis’s Haiti Couleurs, who seeks to achieve a rare feat by winning the Welsh, Irish, and Aintree Nationals, and a robust Irish contingent featuring Banbridge, Gerri Colombe, Firefox, Monty’s Star, and Oscars Brother. Oscars Brother, trained by Connor King, will be ridden by his brother Daniel, adding a family dynamic to the competition.
Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero bring two contenders this year: Iroko, who placed fourth last year, and stablemate Jagwar. Both are owned by JP McManus, who also owns Cheltenham Festival winner Johnnywho, part of his UK-trained lineup.
There were no withdrawals at the 72-hour declaration stage. Should Jimmy Mangan’s Spillane’s Tower run in Thursday’s Racing Welfare Bowl Chase instead, reserve runner Pied Piper would enter the race as a sixth runner for trainer Gordon Elliott. Any non-runners must be replaced by reserves by 1 pm on Friday before the final field is confirmed.
The 2026 Randox Grand National promises thrilling competition with a blend of seasoned champions, ambitious newcomers, and notable local talent ready to contest one of the world’s most celebrated steeplechases.