Free Bets
Grand National Runners & Riders (2026)
Get expert analysis of the Grand National runners and riders as well as key betting insights to help you pick a winner in the big race.
New players. Choose bonus at signup. Wager bonus 10x. Deposit used 1st. Any withdrawals void bonus. Valid 30 days. Odds, bet & payment limits. T&Cs apply. 18+.
New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad
The Grand National is a race that stops the entire nation in its tracks. With a global audience of around 600 million viewers, the popularity of the race reaches for beyond our own shores.
With formidable and famous national hunt fences to be jumped, Becher’s Brook, Foinavon, Canal Turn and Valentine’s Brook all make the hear skip a tiny beat quicker as they are taken one by one.
The final declarations for the race are made 48 hours earlier and it can often reap dividends to study the form of all the runners on an individual basis.
Below we will take a look at some of the Grand National runners and riders, advice on how to pick a winner including key betting insights for the big race.
Grand National Racecard
Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
GRANGECLARE WEST may well have challenged for victory 12 months ago had he not made a bad mistake at the final fence before staying on strongly from the Elbow to finish third. Following the same route of all three of Willie Mullins' Aintree heroes, having landed the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse last time, he has a strong chance of going two places better. 2024 winner I Am Maximus split him and the now-absent Nick Rockett when attempting to defend his crown and arrives having shown high-class form when runner-up in the Savills at Leopardstown in December. Cheekpieces go back on to aid his cause but he may need softer ground to be truly at his best. Iroko's lack of experience may have told when fourth 12 months ago and he had a valid excuse for underperforming when scoping dirty after the Ultima at Cheltenham, where the same owner's Johnnywho got the better of Jagwar. The latter is a particularly interesting runner and is equipped with first-time cheekpieces, but his tendency to clout the odd fence could hamper his claims. Panic Attack already has two major handicap successes to her name this campaign with the Paddy Power/Coral Gold Cup double and she has to be respected along with Monty's Star, who ran with plenty of promise in the Irish Gold Cup, Haiti Couleurs and Captain Cody.
New players. Choose bonus at signup. Wager bonus 10x. Deposit used 1st. Any withdrawals void bonus. Valid 30 days. Odds, bet & payment limits. T&Cs apply. 18+.
*New members only. £10+ bet on sports (ex. virtuals) at 1.5 min odds, settled within 14 days. Free Bets: accepted in 7 days, valid 7 days; £20 use on sportsbook, £10 on Bet Builder. Stake not returned. T&Cs + deposit exclusions apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org. 18+
BET 20 GET 20 offer is available starting from 26.05.2025. The £20 Free Bet is valid for 7 days. Opt in through the Copybet App or Web to claim your free bet. Copybet App login required to claim your free bet. No cash-out on either Qualifying Bets or Free Bets. Deposit using an instant bank payment secured by Truelayer to unlock the offer. Max payout – £500. Qualifying bet must be a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet with stake of £20+ at odds of 1.9 or higher and settled within 7 days of opting-in.
Key Stats On The Grand National Runners
The two leading trainers in the Grand National over the recent renewals are Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins who have won the Grand National three times with Elliott’s trio coming from Silver Birch (2007) and Tiger Roll (2018 & 2019) whilst Mullins’s being Hedgehunter (2005), I Am Maximus (2024) & Nick Rockett (2025). Another trainer who has recorded multiple wins in the Grand National is Lucinda Russell with two.
There are multiple trainers that have not had the best of times in recent renewals of the Grand National, Nigel Twiston-Davies (0-37), Philip Hobbs (0-20), Nicky Henderson (0-20), Peter Bowen (0-12), Ted Walsh (0-11), Tom George (0-10), Evan Williams (0-10), Kim Bailey (0-10) and Alan King (0-10) have all failed to produce a single winner despite sending multiple runners to the Grand National.
It is supremely important to take all of the above into account as it can often allow you to whittle your selections right down in advance, instead of just plumping for a name. It has also been eleven years since an English trained horse (Many Clouds 2015) last won the race. Ireland have been dominant, followed by Scotland.
Tips for Selecting a Winning Grand National Runner
Many gamblers close their eyes and use a pin-sticker’s guide to choose their bets for the big race. However, you can browse some Grand National trends if you want to shorten your selections to four or five on race day.
Don’t forget, always check a horse’s form over distance, and jumping ability over the fences. However, fallen riders, a pile-up at Becher’s Brook, or just plain bad luck can scupper even the most well-crafted National wager.
Check The Runners & Odds
Start your research early and find some value, especially in the each-way markets. Last year’s winner went off a 33/1 shot and the SP favourite has only won the race a handful of times this century. Hunt around and open several accounts with multiple bookies to find the best value.
Analyse The Form
Grand National runners go in with bad, good or indifferent form. Many a Grand National winner has taken down the race having had a good run-in. Always check the Grand National form before you make your bets.
Consult The Experts
Talk about our horse racing tipsters.
At Punters Lounge, we offer tips and insights from the keenest minds in racing. We update our racing tips every week, so make sure you read our latest Grand National tips to spot some smart picks.
Find Bookmaker Offers
Online bookmakers will be falling over themselves to offer new customers and regular gamblers a deal on the National. Look out for Grand National free bets and promotional bet offers when the big race comes around.
As well as a welcome free bet, you can enjoy enhanced places on each-way wagers (normally up to seven places at the best bookies) and money back if your horse fails to finish.
Grand National runners FAQ
How Many Runners In The Grand National?
A final field of 34 runners will be declared 2 days before the race.
Do Female Horses Run In The Grand National?
Yes of course they run. They just don’t run that often. Only a handful have ever run well in a race as competitive as this.
Has A Mare Won The Grand National?
Nickel Coin was the last mare to win the Grand National in 1951.
Who Are The Favourites In The Grand National?
Who Is Most Likely To Win The Grand National?
What Is The Biggest Outsider To Win The Grand National?
Mon Mome is the most recent 100/1 winner of the race and that happened in 2009. Prior to his success the likes of Foinavon (1967), Caughoo (1947) and Tipperary Tim (1928) all won at 100/1.
Can Any Horse Run In The Grand National?
No, you need to have previous experience of jumping a national hunt fence. You also need to ensure that any horse has a high enough rating to qualify for the race as only a maximum of 34 can run it.
Has The Queen Ever Won The Grand National?
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a fantastic owner breeder of horses and enjoyed many successes on the track. Unfortunately the Grand National was a prize that always eluded her. She was a fantastic ambassador for the sport until her passing.
Who Is The Most Famous Grand National Winner?
That has to be Red Rum of course. Trained by the legendary Ginger McCain he won the race 3 times (1973,1974 and 1977).
Who Was The Youngest Grand National Winner?
Horses as young as 5 have won the Grand National, although you do have to go back in the history books to find them. Lutteur III was the last to do so in 1909 and prior to that Empress won the race as a 5 year old in 1880.
What Is The Prize Money For Winning The Grand National?
Winning connections can expect to receive prize money of £500,000 for winning the most famous horse race in the world.
