Watch the Grand National 2026 As history calls the favorite I Am Maximus in the 178th running of the world famous Aintree Steeplechase, Merseyside, UK. The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old was a winner two years ago but finished second to teammate Nick Rockett 12 months ago. They were scheduled for a rematch, but the reigning champion was pulled out midweek with a cough.
The last horse to regain the Grand National title after losing it was Aintree legend Red Rum in 1977. To emulate that colossal achievement, I Am Maximus will need to hold off Grangeclare West, another 10-year-old Mullins entrant, who finished third in 2025.
AI Am Maximus has been allocated the heaviest weights (11st, 12lb) and will be ridden by Paul Townend for the third consecutive Grand National. Mullins’ son Patrick, despite riding Nick Rockett to glory last year, has been paired with Grangeclare West (11st 10lb).
Also looking at a piece of Aintree tradition are the Rebecca Curtis-trained Haiti Couleurs, champions of the Welsh Grand National and the Irish Grand National. The nine-year-old would be the only winner of all three events. If you’re worried about missing the Masters, the average time to win is slightly over nine minutes.
Read on for our guide on where to watch Grand National 2026 live streams online, on TV and potentially free wherever you are.
Can I watch Grand National 2026 for free?
The Grand National is broadcast free of charge ITVX in the UK, Virgin multimedia game in Ireland, and careers.com in Australia.
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How to watch Grand National 2026 using a VPN
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Can I watch Grand National 2026 in the USA?
Previous editions of the Grand National have been broadcast live on FanDuel TV in the US, with highlights on Fox Sports, but at the time of writing there is no mention of the 2026 race in either network’s schedules.
Visiting the US from the UK, Ireland or Australia? Wear NordVPN to watch free Grand National coverage.
Can I watch Grand National 2026 in Canada?
Grand National 2026 seems to have gone unnoticed in Canada as well.
If you’re from the UK, Ireland or Australia, a VPN will help you connect for free. NordVPN is our recommended provider and you can find out why with our in-depth NordVPN review.
How to watch Grand National 2026 live streams in the UK
In the UK, the Grand National is broadcast free-to-air ITV1 and through the ITVX streaming service. Live coverage begins at 12:45pm BST.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (e.g. HA9 0WS). Register here!
Outside the UK? You will need download a VPNas detailed above, to access your free Grand National stream from abroad.
How to watch Grand National 2026 live streams in Australia
Grand National 2026 is broadcast free of charge on careers.com Television channel and website in Australia, with dedicated live coverage starting at 9:45pm AEST.
Not in Australia? Wear NordVPN if you are away from home, to be able to access your usual equestrian coverage from anywhere.
What is the schedule for the 2026 Grand National?
Saturday April 11
8.20 a.m. – 3 m 1/2 f of hurdles for the disabled
8:55 am – 2m 4f Beginners Obstacles (Grade 1)
9:30am – 3m 1f Filibuster Handicap Pursuit
10.05am – 3m 1/2f Liverpool fence (Grade 1)
11:00 – 4m 2 1/2f Grand National (Premier Handicap)
(All times ET)
Who are the runners and cyclists in the 2026 Grand National?
I’m Maximus and Paul Townend – Willie Mullins
Grangeclare West and Patrick Mullins as Willie Mullins
Panic attack and Harry Skelton – Dan Skelton
Jagwar and Mark Walsh – Oliver Greenall
Iroko and Jonjo O’Neill Jr. – Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero
Johnnywho and Richie McLernon – Jonjo and AJ O’Neill
Haiti Couleurs and Sean Bowen – Rebecca Curtis
Brother of Oscar and Daniel King – Connor King
Captain Cody and Jonathan Burke – Willie Mullins
Monty’s Star and Darragh O’Keeffe – Henry De Bromhead
Gerri Colombe and Jack Kennedy as Gordon Elliott
Stellar History and Robert Dunne – Gordon Elliott
Beautiful Tom and Sean Flanagan – Henry De Bromhead
Final Orders and Conor Stone-Walsh – Gavin Cromwell
Jordans and Ben Jones – Joseph Patrick O’Brien
Tower of Spillane and Simon Torrens – James Joseph Mangan
Champ Kiely and Danny Mullins – Willie Mullins
Favori De Champdou & Danny Gilligan – Gordon Elliott
Perceval Legallois and Harry Cobden – Gavin Cromwell
Quai de Bourbon and Donagh Meyler – Willie Mullins
Spanish Harlem and Brian Hayes – Willie Mullins
Lecky Watson and Sean O’Keeffe as Willie Mullins
Banbridge and JJ Slevin – Joseph Patrick O’Brien
Twig and Beau Morgan – Ben Pauling
Firefox and Keith Donoghue – Gordon Elliott
Three Card Showoff and Jordan Gainford – Gordon Elliott
Upper Class Hero and James Bowen – Willie Mullins
Response to Kayf and John Shinnick – Terence O’Brien
Mr. Vango and Jack Tudor – Sara V Bradstock
The Real Kicker and Gavin Sheehan – Patrick Neville
Top of The Bill & Toby McCain-Mitchell – Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies
Beauport and Sam Twiston-Davies – Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies
Marble sands and forests of Kielan – David Killahena and Graeme McPherson
Flutist and to be confirmed – Gordon Elliott
What are the most famous Grand National hurdles?
At 1.57m high on the take-off side and 1.42m high on the landing side, The Chair is the tallest fence at Aintree. What makes it even more challenging is that it is also one of the narrowest on the course and is preceded by a 1.83m ditch.
However, the devilishly complicated configuration of Becher’s Brook has given it an even greater reputation. It has a height of 1.47 m on the take-off side, but drops significantly more on the landing side: 15 cm further towards the outside of the runway and 25 cm towards the inside.
Canal Turn is another one that demands care and attention. At 150cm it is quite tall, but the resulting chaos comes from the hairpin bend that follows immediately after.
What is the prize money for the 2026 Grand National?
The 2026 Grand National purse is worth £1 million, of which £500,000 goes to the winner. Second place gets £200,000, third gets £100,000, fourth £65,000, fifth £40,000, sixth £30,000, seventh £20,000, eighth £15,000, ninth £10,000 and tenth £5,000.
What are the weights of the Grand National?
The Grand National weight system is designed to produce a level playing field, where the most talented and fit runners have to carry the heaviest loads.
AI Am Maximus (11st 12lb), Banbridge (11st 11lb), Gerri Colombe (11st 10lb), Grangeclare West (11st 10lb) and Haiti Couleurs (11st 10lb) have been assigned the biggest handicaps.
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