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Defending champions headline Aintree entries
I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett, the last two Grand National winners, top the confirmed entries for Saturday's 2026 renewal at Aintree. Both horses are trained by Willie Mullins, who seeks another victory in the prestigious steeplechase.
Recent winners carry top weights
I Am Maximus, owned by JP McManus, secured a seven-and-a-half-length triumph in 2024 before finishing second to Nick Rockett in last year's race. The latter, ridden by Mullins' son Patrick, won by two and a half lengths in 2025.
Currently, 49 horses remain in contention, though the final field will be trimmed to 34 runners, with four reserves announced on Wednesday.
McManus eyes record fourth win
McManus, a three-time Grand National winner, has additional contenders in Iroko and Jagwar, both trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. Johnnywho also remains in the running following earlier withdrawals.
I Am Maximus aims to become the first top-weighted winner since Red Rum, who claimed three victories in the 1970s. Meanwhile, Nick Rockett could match Tiger Roll's back-to-back wins from 2018 and 2019.
Irish trainers dominate entries
Mullins leads the field with nine guaranteed runners, including last year's third-place finisher Grangeclare West, alongside Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, and five others.
Gordon Elliott, another three-time National winner, has five entries, with Gerri Colombe, Firefox, and Favori De Champdou among the top-weighted contenders. Firefox is also entered in Friday's Topham Chase over the same fences.
Other notable contenders
Ben Pauling's Twig is the final guaranteed runner, while Henry de Bromhead, who won in 2021 with Minella Times, has Monty's Star and Gorgeous Tom in the mix. Dan Skelton's Panic Attack and Gavin Cromwell's Perceval Legallois, a faller last year, are also in contention.
The Twiston-Davies stable, with two previous wins, will field Beauport and Top of the Bill, the latter moving into the top 34 after recent withdrawals.
Withdrawals and late changes
L'Homme Presse, French Dynamite, and Now Is The Hour were scratched on Monday, along with three others below the cut-off line. Spillane's Tower remains entered despite his owner indicating a possible switch to Thursday's Aintree Bowl.
Race details
The Grand National will take place on Saturday at 16:00 BST. Live coverage will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app, with additional commentary on 5 Sports Extra for Friday's races.
