Britain’s Iroko Tops Bookies List of 78 Grand National Entries

by Roy Brindley, 5 February 2026

The 2026 Randox Grand National has attracted 78 horses. Almost two-thirds of the entries are trained in Ireland.

Grand National favourite, Iroko, won his most recent start at Ascot and finished fourth in last year’s Aintree marathon. © Getty Images

Key Facts:

• Numbers are down as 78 horses are entered in the 2026 Grand National.
• The big race weights will be announced on February 17.
• Seeking a record-equalling fourth success, Willie Mullins is responsible for 15 of this year’s entries.
• A British horse, Iroko, is the early Grand National betting favourite.

Entries have closed on the 2026 Randox Grand National. The famous race, with a maximum field size of 34 horses, has attracted 78 potential runners. The entry is significantly down on 2025’s 90 entries and the 94 listed in 2024.

In mid-January, it was announced that this year’s Randox Grand National will feature 72-hour declarations, meaning the final field will be known earlier than ever before. The £1 million race is scheduled for Saturday, April 11.

The weights will be made public beforehand at a traditional Grand National unveiling ceremony in Liverpool’s St George’s Hall on February 17. Thereafter, there are scratching stages on March 3 and March 24.

Powerhouse Irish Trainers Chasing National No.4

Last year’s winner, Nick Rockett, and 2024 hero I Am Maximus are amongst the 2026 Grand National entries. If they line up at the starting tapes, they will likely have numbers one and two on their saddlecloths, having been allocated the top weights.

Willie Mullins trains both previous Aintree winners. The multiple Irish champion trainer is responsible for 15 of this year’s entries. He is seeking a record-equalling fourth success in the famous Liverpool marathon, having previously won it in 2005 with Hedgehunter.

Another Irish trainer, Gordon Elliott is also chasing a fourth Grand National. His entry numbers have fallen from 26 in 2024 (16 in 2025) to a dozen this time around. Of his potential runners, online betting sites believe Better Days Ahead (33/1) has the best chance.

With 48 of the 78 entries, Ireland has a strong chance of winning the Grand National for the eighth time in 10 years. However, William Hill, the official betting partner of Aintree’s Grand National Festival, have made a British runner, Iroko, the early favourite.

IROKO takes down the Irish duo, FIREFOX and JAMES DU BERLAIS, in the Howden Graduation Chase for @JJONeillJnr and @G_G_Racing 🟢🟡 pic.twitter.com/LYRCgQ4JAY

— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) December 20, 2025

Iroko is one of seven entries owned by JP McManus. Gigginstown House Stud, owned by the gregarious Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, also has seven Grand National entries. Gordon Elliott trains five; the other two, Shanbally Kid and Irish Grand National third Quai De Bourbon, are Mullins representatives.

Banbridge Chasing Unique King George National Double

Banbridge is chasing a piece of history. Predicted to be allocated 11-stone 10-pound or more, success for the Joseph O’Brien-trained horse would see him become the first King George VI Chase winner to complete the Grand National double. Banbridge could also become the first horse to win Punchestown’s Champion Chase and the National.

As a 10-year-old, recent statistics are not in Banbridge’s favour. Not since 2011 has a horse of that age won the Grand National. As eight-year-olds have won six of the past 10 Grand Nationals, the same statistics support the favourite, Iroko’s, chances.

Iroko will reportedly prep for the Aintree showpiece in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton in later this month. Success or defeat in the three-mile chase will not affect his Grand National weight, as weights are fixed in place following the February 17 unveiling.