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Changes To Declarations For 2026 Grand National

This year’s Grand National will have a 72-hour declaration, a change from the standard 48 hours for National Hunt races in the UK. This adjustment means the world’s most famous steeplechase now aligns with other major international races like the Epsom Derby and Melbourne Cup.

The move has been made to help give stakeholders certainty about the final 34 runners for the race at Aintree in Liverpool. It is expected that it will help increase participation and allow more time to promote those taking part.

Last Two Winners Entered This Year


The declarations for the 2026 Grand National are expected to include the last two winners of the race. I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett are guaranteed a run following the weights for the 4m2f contest. Those placing a horse racing online bet on the latter to defend his crown can get odds of 20/1, while the 2024 winner is 10/1 to regain the trophy.

As the racing results show, Nick Rockett triumphed in a close finish in 2025, and the horses that finished second, third and fourth in the race could also line up again. Those three runners will be hoping to reverse their form with the defending champion.

Ireland has an excellent record in the marathon contest at Aintree, winning six of the last seven renewals. The Irish team is expected to send across a strong team once again, headed by Willie Mullins. The Champion Trainer is a three-time winner of the race, and he will match the record set by Ginger McCain and Fred Rimell if victorious this year.

Race Time Remains the Same

Discussions were held about the suitability of the race time of the Grand National in 2026, but organisers have opted to keep it at 4pm. There are, however, changes to the day, with the opening race set to take place at 12.45pm (a change from 1.20pm in 2025).

The new schedule will allow for the Grade One races prior to the Grand National to flow better throughout the day. These include the Liverpool Hurdle, Maghull Novices’ Chase and Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.

In the new-look race programme, the Grade Two bumper will be the only contest to follow the Grand National. This ensures the Grand National is the final race of the day to take place over obstacles.

Grand National Could Determine Winner of British Trainers’ Championship

With £1 million up for grabs in the Grand National, the Aintree contest could determine who wins the British Trainers’ Championship this season. When he won this race in 2025, Mullins started a surge towards the top of the standings, reeling in Dan Skelton, who had led the championship for most of the season.

Skelton will be hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice, as once again, he has a healthy lead at the top of the current standings. The Lodge Hill trainer has already reached over £3 million in prize money. He is expected to saddle two runners in the race, with Panic Attack and Grey Dawning. Victory for either of those two horses could help him seal his first title.

This year’s Grand National will be the 178th running of the unique race, and a maximum capacity crowd is expected to be at Aintree to watch it unfold.