The 2026 Randox Grand National is set to feature a maximum field of 34 runners, with Willie Mullins’ I Am Maximus heading the lineup as he chases a historic second win. Since Red Rum achieved three victories between 1973 and 1977, no horse has managed to reclaim the Grand National title after losing it, making I Am Maximus’s bid especially compelling.
I Am Maximus, who will wear cheekpieces for only the second time since December 2022, won the Grand National in 2024 with Paul Townend aboard. Last year, he narrowly missed out to his stablemate Nick Rockett, who in 2025 became the first dual winner since Tiger Roll. Mullins also saddles Grangeclare West, a strong contender who finished third last year. This season, Grangeclare West will be ridden by Patrick Mullins, who won on Nick Rockett last year but will now hand over the ride on the favorite to Tom Bellamy.
The race also boasts local talent from Gloucestershire-trained horses. Ben Pauling’s Twig, based near Cheltenham, finished 10th in last year’s Grand National and recently won the Becher Chase, fueling hopes for an improved performance. The horse, purchased for just £100, will be ridden by the owner’s 21-year-old son, Beau Morgan. Pauling expressed cautious optimism about Twig’s chances, emphasizing the horse’s preference to race closer to the pace and its stamina over the demanding course.
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Marble Sands is the other Gloucestershire contender, trained by David Killahena and Graeme McPherson out of Stow-On-The-Wold. Their presence adds local pride to the prestigious event.
The field also includes notable runners such as Haiti Couleurs, trained by Rebecca Curtis, who aims to join an elite group of horses having won the Welsh and Irish Nationals as well as the Aintree Grand National. Ireland is well represented with horses like Banbridge, Gerri Colombe, Firefox, Monty’s Star, and Oscars Brother — the latter trained by Connor King and ridden by his brother Daniel.
Additional strong contenders come from Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, who bring last year’s fourth-place finisher Iroko along with stablemate Jagwar. Both horses are owned by JP McManus, a notable name in UK racing. McManus also counts Cheltenham Festival winner Johnnywho among his UK-trained horses.
The field remains intact with no withdrawals at the 72-hour declaration stage. However, Jimmy Mangan’s Spillane’s Tower is also entered in Thursday’s Racing Welfare Bowl Chase, and in case of withdrawal, Pied Piper — the first reserve — would take the 34th spot, potentially giving Gordon Elliott a sixth runner in the race.
Reserves will be confirmed by 1 pm on Friday should any final changes occur.