Confirmed Grand National Runners
The confirmed Grand National runners has been officially announced, with last year’s champion, I Am Maximus, heading the field for Saturday’s highly anticipated race at Aintree. A total of 34 runners have been named for the iconic steeplechase, ensuring a competitive contest.
Confirmed Grand National Line-Up: Who’s In?
Leading the confirmed Grand National runners, I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and owned by JP McManus, will attempt to defend his title after a dominant performance last year, where he triumphed by seven and a half lengths. He carries the top weight, aiming to become the first horse since Red Rum in the 1970s to win with such a burden.
No horses were Grand National Non-Runners at Thursday’s declaration stage, meaning Duffle Coat claims the final spot in the line-up. Four reserves—Shakem Up’Arry, owned by former football manager Harry Redknapp, along with Roi Mage, Favori De Champdou, and Fantastic Lady—are waiting in case of any last-minute non-runners. The deadline for any substitutions is set for 13:00 BST on Friday.
A Strong Irish Contingent
Ireland is well-represented in the confirmed Grand National runners, with several major contenders. Alongside I Am Maximus, McManus also has two strong hopefuls in Iroko and Perceval Legallois. Mullins’ squad includes Nick Rockett and Grangeclare West, both positioned high in the Grand National weights.
Gavin Cromwell fields a strong team, including Cheltenham Festival winner Stumptown, Perceval Legallois, and last year’s runner-up Vanillier. Meanwhile, Hewick, a bargain buy at just £800, will look to build on his King George VI Chase triumph in 2023.
Notable Riders and Trainers
Rachael Blackmore, the first and only female jockey to win the Grand National (with Minella Times in 2021), will ride Minella Indo for Henry de Bromhead, while Darragh O’Keeffe partners with stablemate Senior Chief. Gordon Elliott’s squad is led by Three Card Brag, the ride of Sean Bowen, who is poised to become Britain’s champion jockey despite an allergy to horse hair.
Paul Nicholls, a 14-time British champion trainer, sends out five contenders: Kandoo Kid, Bravemansgame, Threeunderthrufive, Hitman, and Stay Away Fay. Twiston-Davies, a two-time Grand National-winning trainer, saddles Beauport and Broadway Boy.
What Time is the Grand National?
The race begins at 16:00 BST on Saturday, featuring 30 formidable fences—including Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and Canal Turn—over a testing four-and-a-quarter-mile course. With safety adjustments introduced last year, the line-up was reduced from 40 to 34 runners, and changes were made to fence heights and race start procedures.
Odds and Betting Favorites
The latest betting odds for the confirmed Grand National runners suggest a highly competitive race:
- 9-1: I Am Maximus, Iroko, Stumptown
- 10-1: Hewick, Intense Raffles, Vanillier
- 12-1: Perceval Legallois
- 14-1: Minella Cocooner
- 20-1: Others
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Grand National Safety Measures and Protests
Following recent safety modifications, last year’s Grand National saw the highest number of finishers (21) since 1992. There were no fallers, though four horses unseated their riders, and seven were pulled up. Animal rights group Animal Rising has stated that, while it remains opposed to horse racing, it does not plan to disrupt this year’s event, unlike in 2023 when 118 protesters were arrested.
With a star-studded field and an exciting contest on the horizon, the confirmed Grand National runners promises another thrilling chapter in the race’s legendary history.
