The Jockey Club have announced that the final declarations for the 2026 Randox Grand National will be made 72 hours before the big race takes place at Aintree. Taking place on Saturday 11 April, the world’s greatest steeplechase has always been one of the jewels in the crown of horse racing, and it’s been announced that the final field of 34 runners will be known three days prior to the race getting underway.
A race won by the Willie Mullins-trained Nick Rockett last season in sensational fashion, this year’s Grand National is likely to see him try and retain his crown, but the full runners and riders will be known 72 hours in advance, as The Jockey Club following in the footsteps of The Derby, which announced its final field on the Wednesday ahead of the Saturday showpiece.
With only 34 heading to the marathon start now, it’s also been announced there will be six reserves named at the 72-hour stage, which is an enhanced number than the previous four reserves that were named last year at the 48-hour stage.
Speaking to the Racing Post, clerk of the course, Sulekha Varma said: “We’re really pleased to be able to make the Randox Grand National a 72-hour declaration race, providing greater clarity for not only participants and racing stakeholders but also fans.
“The Jockey Club successfully introduced 72-hour declarations for the Derby at Epsom last year and, while the Grand National is now the only UK jumps race to implement this, it also brings us in line with other global races such as the Melbourne Cup and Kentucky Derby.
“We’re extremely grateful to the BHA for their support in helping us make this change.”
The Grand National is a global phenomenon and people around the world will sit down to watch the action take place at the Merseyside venue, and the 2026 will be run at 4pm on Saturday 11 April, which is the same time as last year. However, this year’s meeting will start at 12.45pm and not at 1.20pm like he began in 2025.