bet365 horse racing took center stage on the day before Aintree as the final Grand National field was settled and the race picture sharpened fast. The Grand National 2026 line-up is now confirmed, with 34 runners set for Saturday’s big race and the opening day of the meeting just ahead in Eastern Time. Willie Mullins got his nine into the field late, and the jockey news added another layer of drama.
Grand National 2026 runners locked in
The confirmed field places I Am Maximus at the head of the list, with Paul Townend booked to ride. Nick Rockett, ridden by Tom Bellamy, is also in the frame after Bellamy’s late chance to land a spare ride turned into a place on last year’s winner. The runners and riders now stand at 34, with the field finalized after the final declarations were locked in.
The full line-up includes Banbridge, Grangeclare West, Gerri Colombe, Haiti Couleurs, Spillane’s Tower, Firefox, Monty’s Star, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, Iroko, Favori De Champdou, Three Card Brag, Oscars Brother, Mr Vango, High Class Hero, Stellar Story, Beauport, Captain Cody, Jagwar, Perceval Legallois, Gorgeous Tom, The Real Whacker, Quai De Bourbon, Answer To Kayf, Jordans, Final Orders, Marble Sands, Panic Attack, Top Of The Bill, Johnnywho, Twig, Pied Piper, Imperial Saint, Amirite, Ain’t That A Shame, Deep Cave, and Buddy One.
Market moves and live attention
With the line-up settled, bet365 horse racing attention is shifting to how the market will move before Saturday’s race at Aintree. Panic Attack has already become more popular, moving to 10-1 from 12-1, and there is concern she could challenge I Am Maximus for favouritism by race time. That shift has put fresh focus on the betting heat around the contest, even before the meeting begins.
One note from the race history stands out clearly in the current picture: it is 75 years since Nickel Coin became the last mare to win the Grand National. That fact will hang over any late momentum behind Panic Attack as the field settles into its final shape.
Immediate reactions and what comes next
The most immediate reaction from the final field was the sense of pace and timing around Willie Mullins getting his team in late, plus the surprise of Bellamy ending up with a major ride. The live update described the day as full of drama even without racing, and the mood around Aintree is now set for the first day of the meeting tomorrow in Eastern Time.
There is still time for the market to develop further before the off, but the shape of the race is now clear: a full field, a notable favorite, and a few betting angles already starting to move. bet365 horse racing watchers now move from field confirmation to final assessment, with the Grand National 2026 set to bring the next major twist on Saturday at Aintree.
