Grand National 2026: Early Favourites and Key Announcements
The world's most famous steeplechase, the Grand National, is rapidly approaching, with the festival at Aintree scheduled from April 9 to 11, 2026. The main event will occur on Saturday at 4pm, drawing global attention to this iconic horse racing spectacle.
Top Contenders in the Odds
While final declarations are pending, five horses currently dominate the early betting odds. Grangeclare West, who secured third place last year and recently triumphed in the Bobbyjo Chase, is a strong favourite. I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner and last year's runner-up to Nick Rockett, carries top weight but remains a formidable threat due to his proven success at Aintree.
Iroko, finishing fourth in 2025, has been strategically prepared for this race and impressed with a recent victory at Ascot. The exciting youngster Jagwar has garnered significant early support from punters, alongside Haiti Couleurs, a former winner of both the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals.
Critical Dates in the Build-Up
The next major milestone is the second scratchings day on Tuesday, March 24, which will reduce the field closer to the maximum of 34 horses. This will be followed by the five-day confirmation stage on April 6 and the final declaration on April 8, when the complete lineup will be officially confirmed.
Current Grand National Odds Overview
Here is a detailed list of the current odds for key runners:
- I Am Maximus (1): 10/1
- Grangeclare West (4): 10/1
- Haiti Couleurs (7): 12/1
- Jagwar (30): 12/1
- Iroko (17): 12/1
- Nick Rockett (2): 20/1
- Gerri Colombe (6): 20/1
- Monty's Star (11): 20/1
- Oscars Brother (20): 25/1
- Captain Cody (29): 25/1
- Jordans (36): 28/1
- Spillane's Tower (8): 33/1
- Favori De Champdou (18): 33/1
- Stellar Story (25): 33/1
- Gorgeous Tom (32): 33/1
- Quai De Bourbon (34): 33/1
- Three Card Brag (19): 40/1
- Banbridge (3): 50/1
- Firefox (10): 50/1
- Spanish Harlem (12): 50/1
- Gentlemansgame (13): 50/1
- Lecky Watson (14): 50/1
- Western Fold (16): 50/1
- Better Days Ahead (26): 50/1
- Perceval Legallois (31): 50/1
- Answer To Kayf (35): 50/1
- High Class Hero (24): 66/1
- Champ Kiely (15): 80/1
- Mr Vango (22): 80/1
- L'Homme Presse (9): 100/1
- Handstands (21): 100/1
- Beauport (27): 100/1
- French Dynamite (28): 100/1
- The Real Whacker (33): 100/1
These odds provide a comprehensive view of the competitive landscape as the event draws nearer.
Ticket Information and Festival Details
Tickets for the Grand National 2026 are available through The Jockey Club, with standard options starting from £33.50. VIP and hospitality packages, offering enhanced experiences, begin at £249 via Seat Unique. The festival promises three days of thrilling racing action at the historic Aintree racecourse.
As anticipation builds, fans and punters alike are closely monitoring developments, with key announcements set to shape the final field for this prestigious steeplechase.
