The full line-up of runners and riders for the 2026 Grand National has been confirmed after the 1pm deadline on Friday for amendments to the final field. Two horses had already withdrawn earlier in the week.
Defending champion Nick Rockett was ruled out on Thursday after being reported to be coughing, ending his chance of becoming the first back-to-back winner since Red Rum in the 1970s. His replacement, first reserve Pied Piper, was also withdrawn later that day due to a mobility problem, as confirmed by trainer Gordon Elliott.
Second reserve Imperial Saint, trained by Philip Hobbs & Johnson White, took Pied Piper's place. Henry de Bromhead's Amirite became the last runner after Spillane's Tower was withdrawn following its run in Thursday's Aintree Bowl.
I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner, leads the field as the 13/2 favourite. He will be ridden by Paul Townend for the third consecutive year as trainer Willie Mullins aims to become the first trainer to win the race three years in a row since Vincent O'Brien between 1953 and 1955.
If successful, I Am Maximus would also become the first top weight to win since Red Rum in 1974. All odds are courtesy of bet365 and correct at the time of publication.
