Grand National 2026 Final Field Confirmed: Mullins Dominates With Eight Runners

Willie Mullins' extraordinary stranglehold on the Grand National reached new heights when Wednesday's final declarations locked in eight of the 34-horse field for Saturday's Randox renewal at Aintree, setting the stage for what could be an unprecedented third consecutive victory for the Closutton operation.

I Am Maximus heads the maximum field as he attempts to emulate Red Rum in the world's most famous steeplechase. No horse since Ginger McCain's Aintree legend has won the race, lost the title, and then regained it. Red Rum won in 1973 and 1974, was second in 1975 and 1976, before bringing the house down with a third victory in 1977. The 10-year-old gelding carries 11st 12lb as top weight and will be sporting cheekpieces for just the second time, the first being back in December 2022, having won two years ago in the hands of Paul Townend before finding only stablemate Nick Rockett too good in 2025.

Nick Rockett lines up as the defending champion for Willie Mullins, as the trainer attempts to bag a third-consecutive edition of the world's greatest steeplechase. The 2025 winner carries 11st 11lb, three pounds more than the weight he shouldered when winning last year, and arrives having had limited racecourse appearances this season. Grangeclare West, last term's third, is another in the mix for Mullins, with Paul Townend having praised him as "a brilliant jumper" ahead of the race. The 1-2-3-4 from 2025 are set to clash again in the 2026 renewal.

Beyond that trio, Banbridge brings imposing Cheltenham and King George form under trainer Joseph O'Brien but faces pointed stamina questions over the full 4 miles and 2 furlongs. Johnnywho is looking to build on last month's Cheltenham Festival victory in the Ultima Handicap Chase, where he held off Jagwar. Iroko is also back for another crack at the National after placing fourth last term.

The concentration of Mullins runners introduces tactical layers beyond individual ability. With Paul Townend holding the most coveted ride in the field and stablemates spread throughout the draw, jumping order, race shape, and how the Closutton horses travel during the marathon test could prove as decisive as handicap weight.

On average, only 47% of Grand National runners complete the course, making jumping ability and stamina absolutely critical. Roughly 18 of Saturday's 34 starters will not see the finish line, a brutality that rewards horses with clean, economical jumping over Aintree's uniquely constructed fences. Trial form from Fairyhouse, Down Royal, and the Cheltenham Festival points toward a field that has been specifically prepared for those demands.

Six reserves currently require withdrawals to earn a place in the race. The Aintree festival runs April 9 to 11, with Saturday's Grand National the centerpiece of the British racing calendar and the moment this 34-horse puzzle finally gets solved.