Grand National 2026 runners listed as 10 horses taken out of £1m race

Ten horses have been removed from contention at the latest Grand National scratchings stage leaving 34 runners for the showdown at Aintree on 11 April

The latest scratchings stage of the Grand National has arrived with 10 horses now out of the running. This leaves a current field of 34 set to compete in the Aintree showdown.

National Hunt enthusiasts will soon flock to the Liverpool course as the historic £1million National is less than a month away. The demanding four-mile, two-and-a-half furlong race sees the sport’s top staying chasers tackle 30 fences.

Since 2024, the National’s field size has been capped at 34, down from 40, and we now have a clearer picture of the potential lineup for April 11. Ten horses have been withdrawn at this latest scratchings stage.

Prior to Tuesday, three horses had been withdrawn. Dan Skelton’s Gold Cup contender Grey Dawning was pulled, as was Olly Murphy’s Bet365 Gold Cup champion Resplendent Grey. Mouse Morris also scratched Gentlemansgame.

Now, an additional seven horses have been removed. These include Gordon Elliott’s entries Western Fold, Croke Park, Better Days Ahead and Search For Glory.

Ben Pauling has also withdrawn Handstands and Pic Roc, whilst Anthony Honeyball has taken out Leave of Absence.

This leaves a final field of 34, led by Willie Mullins’ pair of 2024 winner I Am Maximus and Bobbyjo Chase victor Grangeclare West. The latter finished third last year.

It’s worth noting that many of the current 34 contenders could withdraw in the coming weeks leaving others to get in, with some choosing to participate in the Irish National on 6 April instead. Oscars Brother is currently leading that market.

One of the top British prospects could be Welsh and Irish National winner Haiti Couleurs. Rebecca Curtis’s gelding last competed in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, but his trainer has indicated he will be aimed at Aintree if all goes well.

Earlier this month, she stated: “I’m excited to run him in the National now, hopefully, if everyone agrees. Where else do you go with him? That is his forte, National-type races, that’s where he’s done well.

“If he shows me that he’s fit and well in the next few weeks there’s no reason not to go. Plenty of horses run at Cheltenham and then Aintree.

“It’s not a lot different to what we did last year when he ran at Cheltenham and then in the Irish National, that was similar timing. The fences are not that big anymore are they so that’s the plan if he trains well the next few weeks, I don’t see why not.”

The 34 horses currently set to compete in the Grand National

1. I Am Maximus
2. Nick Rockett
3. Banbridge
4. Grangeclare West
5. Gerri Colombe
6. Haiti Couleurs
7. Spillane’s Tower
8. L’homme Presse
9. Firefox
10. Monty’s Star
11. Spanish Harlmen
12. Lecky Watson
13. Champ Kiely
14. Iroko
15. Favori de Champdou
16. Three Card Brag
17. Oscars Brother
18. Mr Vango
19. High Class Hero
20. Stellar Story
21. Beauport
22. French Dynamite
23. Captain Cody
24. Jagwar
25. Perceval Legallois
26. Gorgeous Tom
27. The Real Whacker
28. Quai de Bourbon
29. Answer To Kayf
30. Jordans
31. Now Is The Hour
32. Final Orders
33. Marble Sands
34. Panic Attack