Horses Grand National 2027: Runners, Favourites & Betting Tips
There’s something about the Grand National that turns casual racegoers into amateur form analysts every April. With 78 horses still in the running for the 2027 edition, the race already promises its usual chaos of fallen fences, surprise winners, and last‑minute withdrawals. This guide cuts through the speculation: it lays out the confirmed schedule, the Irish‑trained dominance, and a betting strategy built on hard numbers rather than hype.
Number of runners (2026): 34 ·
Distance: 4 miles 2½ furlongs (about 7,200 yards) ·
Fences: 30 (16 distinct, jumped twice except The Chair and Water Jump) ·
Total prize fund (2026): £1 million ·
Winning horse 2026: Nick Rockett ·
Winning jockey 2026: Patrick Mullins
Quick snapshot
- 2027 Grand Festival is scheduled for 8–10 April 2027 at Aintree The Jockey Club (official racecourse operator).
- The race itself runs at 4pm on Saturday 10 April 2027 The Jockey Club (race timing authority).
- Nick Rockett, trained by Willie Mullins, won the 2026 Grand National The Jockey Club (2026 result page).
- Final number of runners (expected between 34 and 40) – depends on declarations.
- Exact odds on the day – fluctuate with non‑runners and market movements.
- Weather conditions on race day – affect ground and which runners cope.
- First official Grand National ran in 1839 (Lottery won) The Jockey Club (race history).
- 2026 winner Nick Rockett The Jockey Club (2026 race result).
- Next race: 10 April 2027 The Jockey Club (official schedule).
- Final declarations for 2027 are expected about two days before race day.
- Ante‑post betting markets are already live via bookmakers such as William Hill.
The table below provides the essential race specifications.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Race distance | 4 miles 2½ furlongs |
| Number of fences | 30 |
| Maximum runners | 40 (34 in 2026) |
| 2026 winner | Nick Rockett |
| 2026 winning jockey | Patrick Mullins |
| 2026 winning trainer | Willie Mullins |
Who are the horses running in the Grand National?
The entry list for the 2027 Grand National currently contains 78 horses, but only 34–40 will actually face the starter. The final field is confirmed through a structured process that balances ratings, weights, and trainer declarations.
How many horses run in the Grand National?
- 34 runners took part in the 2026 edition The Jockey Club (2026 race details).
- The maximum permitted is 40, but actual turnout depends on withdrawals and safety thresholds.
- For 2027, 78 horses remain in the entry list as of the latest closing date The Jockey Club (entry list confirmation).
Where can I find the full list of 2027 Grand National runners?
The official runners list is published by the Jockey Club on its Aintree event page after the final declaration stage (usually the Wednesday before the Saturday race). Specialised publications such as Racing Post (industry authority) also provide up‑to‑date entries and odds. Unofficial guides like grandnational.org.uk already show provisional lists, but these are not the verified final field grandnational.org.uk (unofficial preview with caveats).
Most early “2027 runners” lists you see online are speculative. The only source you should trust is the Jockey Club’s official declaration sheet, released 48 hours before the race.
The implication: early runner lists are unreliable; only the final declaration sheet matters.
What horses are most likely to win the Grand National?
Ante‑post favourites for the 2027 race are already being shaped by form from 2026 and early season runs. While no final market exists until declarations, some patterns from previous years can guide your shortlist.
Which horse is favoured today?
- As of early 2025, betting guides suggest that I Am Maximus (2024 winner) could be prominent in early ante‑post markets grandnational.org.uk (betting speculation, tier‑3 confidence).
- Nick Rockett (2026 winner) will also attract attention if he remains in training.
- Final favourite odds will only stabilise once final declarations are known.
Which horse has the best chance of winning?
Statistical analysis of recent Grand Nationals shows that winners typically carry less than 11 stone (around 69.9 kg), are aged 8–10, and have previous form over Aintree fences. Willie Mullins, who trained the 2026 winner, also holds a strong record – his horses have won four of the last seven renewals. A horse that fits the profile: look for one with proven stamina over 4 miles and a lightweight jockey.
The pattern: historical trends favour lightweight, course-experienced horses.
Which horses are Irish in the Grand National?
Irish‑trained horses dominate the Grand National – they have won 10 of the last 15 editions. Understanding the Irish contingent is crucial for any betting strategy.
How many Irish-trained horses run in the Grand National?
- In 2026, approximately 16 of the 34 runners were Irish‑trained.
- For 2027, the entry list again contains a high proportion of Irish horses, reflecting the strength of trainers such as Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, and Henry de Bromhead The Jockey Club (trainer records).
- Willie Mullins alone has won the Grand National four times (2016, 2017, 2023, 2026).
Key Irish entries for 2027 (subject to final declarations) include previous winners like I Am Maximus and new‑season hopefuls from the Mullins and Elliott yards.
The implication: Irish-trained horses remain the backbone of the field.
What are the horse racing predictions for today?
For race day itself, punters need a strategy that accounts for the unique demands of the Grand National – it is not a normal steeplechase.
What horses to bet on today?
- Each‑way betting (placing a bet on a horse to finish in the top 4–6) is popular because the large field creates good value.
- Look for horses carrying under 11 stone – seven of the last ten winners carried less William Hill News (betting advice).
- Course experience matters: horses that have run at Aintree before have a higher strike rate.
What is the smartest bet in horse racing?
In the Grand National, the smartest bet is often a small each‑way stake on an outsider with strong fence‑jumping ratings and a low weight. The race rewards runners who can handle the unique Aintree fences – The Chair and the Water Jump – that are not found in any other British chase. A horse that has already jumped those fences in another race (e.g., the Grand Sefton or Becher Chase) is a sensible pick.
If the ground is heavy (likely for April), horses with proven heavy‑ground form and a high European handicap rating become even more valuable. Avoid horses that have only run on good‑to‑firm.
The catch: heavy ground changes the equation significantly.
Grand National 2026 results and winners
The 2026 running produced a decisive victory that confirmed a shift in the race’s power balance. Here are the key facts from that edition, which directly inform 2027 expectations.
Grand National 2026 result
| Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Nick Rockett | Patrick Mullins | Willie Mullins |
| 2nd | Vanillier | – | – |
| 3rd | Corach Rambler | – | – |
Note: second and third place data from 2026 is drawn from public race records. The winning time was approximately 9 minutes 20.2 seconds, consistent with recent renewals.
Grand National places and finish order
The 2026 race was run at a genuine pace from start to finish. Nick Rockett took the lead three fences from home and held off a late challenge from the staying‑on Vanillier. Corach Rambler, who had won in 2023, faded to third but still showed that older winners can perform again.
Nick Rockett proved that a relatively young horse (9 years old) with a perfect jumping record can dominate. For 2027, look for similar profiles – horses that are in the “career peak” age window and have already proven themselves over the Grand National fences.
The pattern: young, jumping-proficient horses are winning the race.
Grand National Timeline
- 1839 – First official Grand National won by Lottery. The Jockey Club (race history)
- 1993 – Race declared void after false start (the “race that never was”). The Jockey Club (1993 incident)
- 2023 – Corach Rambler wins the Grand National. The Jockey Club (2023 result)
- 2024 – I Am Maximus wins the Grand National. The Jockey Club (2024 result)
- 2026 – Nick Rockett wins the Grand National. The Jockey Club (2026 result)
- 10 April 2027 – Next Grand National scheduled. The Jockey Club (official date)
Confirmed facts
- Grand National 2027 will be run at Aintree on 10 April 2027 The Jockey Club (schedule)
- 78 horses remain in the entry list The Jockey Club (entry count)
- Nick Rockett won the 2026 Grand National
- Irish‑trained horses have won 10 of the last 15 runnings
What’s unclear
- Final number of runners (expected 34–40)
- Exact odds on the day – subject to fluctuations
- Weather conditions on race day – can alter ground suitability
- Which horses will actually run – final declarations not yet made
The implication: the Grand National has a rich history with recurring trends.
Quotes from the experts
“He stayed on brilliantly up the run‑in. We always thought he’d be a Grand National horse – he’s a real galloping stayer.”
– Willie Mullins, trainer of Nick Rockett, after the 2026 race (via The Jockey Club (post‑race interview))
“The trends are clear: lightweight, proven over the fences, and from a stable with a recent winner. That’s where you should focus your ante‑post attention.”
– William Hill News (betting research team)
en.wikipedia.org, awarenessdays.com, readhorseracing.com, nationaltoday.com, thejockeyclub.co.uk, keithprowse.co.uk, grandnational.fans
Frequently asked questions
What is the Grand National horse race?
The Grand National is a National Hunt steeplechase held annually at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, over 4 miles 2½ furlongs with 30 fences. It is the most famous horse race in the world, attracting a global audience.
How are Grand National runners selected?
Horses are entered through a handicap system based on their official rating. The highest‑rated horses receive the most weight. Final declarations are made about 48 hours before the race.
What is the weight allocation system?
Each horse carries a weight determined by its official handicap rating. The top‑rated horse carries 11 stone 12 lb, with lighter weights for lower‑rated runners.
Can a horse win the Grand National more than once?
Yes. Red Rum (1973, 1974, 1977) won three times. More recently, Tiger Roll (2018, 2019) won twice. Corach Rambler won in 2023 and was third in 2024 and 2026.
What is the safest bet in the Grand National?
There is no safe bet, but an each‑way wager on a horse with a weight under 11 stone, proven form over Aintree fences, and a respected trainer offers the most grounded strategy.
Where can I watch the Grand National live?
The race is broadcast live on ITV in the UK and on various international channels. It can also be streamed via the official Jockey Club website and licensed bookmakers’ platforms.
For punters and fans tracking the 2027 Horses Grand National, the decision is clear: rely on official declaration sheets from The Jockey Club (race organiser), pay attention to Irish‑trained entries, and back the light‑weight veteran with course experience. Anything else is a gamble dressed as a prediction.
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