Grand National Day 2026 Sees Nine Horses Withdrawn at Aintree
All non-runners for the Aintree Grand National Day 2026 have been officially confirmed as the prestigious event approaches this Saturday. A total of nine horses will not be participating in their scheduled races throughout the day, prompting racegoers and fans to update their lists accordingly.
I Am Maximus Leads as Favourite for Repeat Win
I Am Maximus, the triumphant winner of the 2024 Grand National, returns to Aintree as the clear favourite to secure another victory. Historical data reveals that in the past 15 runnings, Tiger Roll stands as the only previous winner to achieve a double, accomplishing this feat in 2019 after his initial win in 2018.
Since the year 2000, six favourites, including joint favourites, have claimed victory in the Grand National. Notably, three of these wins have occurred in the last six years, with I Am Maximus being the most recent in 2024. Additionally, the favourite or a joint-favourite has finished within the top five on twelve other occasions since the turn of the century.
Weather and Course Conditions
The current going for Grand National Day is reported as Good to Soft on the Grand National Course, while the Mildmay Course for Chase and Hurdle events is Good to Soft, Good in places. Overnight, 2mm of rain fell, but showers are expected to clear by mid-morning, leading to a partly sunny day. There is a slight chance of a further shower mid-afternoon.
After racing concluded on Friday, a total of 5mm of irrigation was applied across the entire course to maintain optimal conditions.
Confirmed Non-Runners Across Key Races
Below is the complete list of non-runners for Grand National Day 2026, which includes withdrawals due to various reasons such as illness, unsuitable going, and veterinary issues. These affect multiple races, including the Novice Hurdle, Handicap Chase, and Liverpool Hurdle, ahead of the main Grand National event.
Patrick Mullins, who rode the 33/1 shot Nick Rockett to victory last year, will now be piloting his father's other highly-fancied runner, Grangeclare West, following Nick Rockett's withdrawal due to coughing.
- 1.55pm Turners Mersey Novice Hurdle
- Came From Nowhere (Unsuitable Going)
- 2.30pm William Hill Handicap Chase
- Imperial Saint (Reserve for Grand National)
- Amirite (Reserve for Randox Grand National)
- Myretown (Vet’s Certificate, abscess)
- Stolen Silver (Bruised foot)
- 3.05pm JET2 Liverpool Hurdle
- Happy Jacky (Transport issues)
- 4.00pm Grand National Handicap Chase
- Nick Rockett (Coughing)
- Spillane’s Tower (Horse not qualified)
- Pied Piper (Lame)
