The biggest event in the horse racing calendar, the Grand National, is back as Aintree is set to host the annual festival of jump racing.
The 2024 winner I Am Maximus headlines a 34-strong field as the favourite – trying to become the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in the 1970s to regain the title having lost it.
Paul Townend is back in the saddle for Willie Mullins’ charge, reprising the partnership that found success two years ago, while Patrick Mullins – who won on 33/1 shot Nick Rockett last year, who was declared a non-runner this year – is on his dad’s other major fancy, Grangeclare West.
A number of other horses such as Jagwar, Iroko and Panic Attack are high up in the betting as a fascinating race looks set to be contested once more.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s race:
The Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday, 11 April, with the race starting at 4pm BST.
The field was made official with Wednesday morning’s final declarations, as a full field of 34 horses was announced. Reigning Grand National champion Nick Rockett will not compete after being declared a non-runner on Thursday morning due to a cough, while Spillane’s Tower and Pied Piper also pulled out.
Horse; jockey; trainer
Here are the latest odds from the best betting sites, while you can find Grand National free bets here.
I Am Maximus 8/1
Jagwar 8/1
Panic Attack 8/1
Grangeclare West 8/1
Johnnywho 10/1
Montys Star 12/1
Iroko 16/1
Oscars Brother 16/1
Captain Cody 18/1
Gorgeous Tom 20/1
Final Orders 25/1
Haiti Couleurs 28/1
Perceval Legallois 28/1
Jordans 28/1
Champ Kiely 28/1
Gerri Colombe 33/1
Stellar Story 33/1
Quai de Bourbon 33/1
You can watch the race on ITV1 with ITV Racing broadcasting the racing throughout the week, with three days of action for fans to get stuck into.
12:45 - Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 2m
13:20 - William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 3m ½f
13:55 - Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f
14:30 - William Hill Handicap Chase (Registered As The Freebooter Handicap Chase) (Premier Handicap) 3m 1f
15:05 - Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m ½f
16:00 - Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Class 1) (Premier Handicap) 4m 2½f
17:00 - Weatherbys Nhstallions.Co.Uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 1f
From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate – The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here.
2026-04-08T13:32:13Z