Grand National 2026 LIVE: Runners, tips, odds and latest updates ahead of big race at Aintree – UK Times

So, who are the all-important horses taking part in the race this afternoon?

The field was made official with Wednesday morning’s final declarations, as a full field of 34 horses was announced.

However, 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.

• 1. I Am Maximus; Paul Townend; Willie Mullins

• 3. Banbridge; JJ Slevin; Joseph O’Brien

• 4. Grangeclare West; Patrick Mullins; Willie Mullins

• 5. Gerri Colombe; Jack Kennedy; Gordon Elliott

• 6. Haiti Couleurs; Sean Bowen; Rebecca Curtis

• 7. Spillane’s Tower; Sean Bowen; Jimmy Mangan

• 8. Firefox; Keith Donoghue; Gordon Elliott

• 9. Monty’s Star; Darragh O’Keeffe; Henry de Bromhead

• 10. Spanish Harlem; Brian Hayes; Willie Mullins

• 11. Lecky Watson; Sean O’Keeffe; Willie Mullins

• 12. Champ Kiely; Danny Mullins; Willie Mullins

• 13. Iroko; Jonjo O’Neill Jr; Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

• 14. Favori De Champdou; Danny Gilligan; Gordon Elliott

• 15. Three Card Brag; Jordan Rainford; Gordon Elliott

• 16. Oscars Brother; Daniel King; Connor King

• 17. Mr Vango; Jack Tudor; Sara Bradstock

• 18. High Class Hero; James Bowen; Willie Mullins

• 19. Stellar Story; Robert Dunne; Gordon Elliott

• 20. Beauport; Sam Twiston-Davies; Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

• 21. Captain Cody; Jonathan Burke; Willie Mullins

• 22. Jagwar; Mark Walsh; Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

• 23. Perceval Legallois; Harry Cobden; Gavin Cromwell

• 24. Gorgeous Tom; Sean Flanagan; Henry de Bromhead

• 25. The Real Whacker; Gavin Sheehan; Patrick Neville

• 26. Quai De Bourbon; Donagh Meyler; Willie Mullins

• 27. Answer To Kayf; John Shinnick; Terence O’Brien

• 28. Jordans; Ben Jones; Joseph O’Brien

• 29. Final Orders; Conor Stone-Walsh; Gavin Cromwell

• 30. Marble Sands; Kielan Woods; David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

• 31. Panic Attack; Harry Skelton; Dan Skelton

• 32. Top Of The Bill; Toby McCain-Mitchell; Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

• 33. Johnnywho; Richie McLernon; Jonjo & A J O’Neill

• 34. Twig; Beau Morgan; Ben Pauling

• 36. Imperial Saint; Callum Pritchard; Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

• 37. Amirite; Phillip Enright; Henry de Bromhead

The Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday, 11 April, with the race starting at 4pm BST.

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.

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the 2026 Grand National at Aintree.

It’s the biggest day on the horse racing calendar when everyone, from serial bettors to your Grandma has a flutter on the gee-gees, as the race captivates a nation.