Watch the Grand National 2026 as history beckons for favorite I Am Maximus at the 178th running of the world-famous steeplechase from Aintree, Merseyside, UK. The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old was a winner two years ago but finished second to stablemate Nick Rockett 12 months back. They’d been set for a rematch, only for the reigning champion to be withdrawn in midweek with a cough.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 entry, who finished third in 2025.
I Am Maximus has been allocated the heaviest weights (11st 12lb), and will be ridden by Paul Townend for the third Grand National in a row. Mullins’ son Patrick, despite riding Nick Rockett to glory last year, has been paired with Grangeclare West (11st 10lb).
Also eyeing a piece of Aintree lore is Rebecca Curtis-trained Haiti Couleurs, a Welsh Grand National and Irish Grand National champion. The nine-year-old would be the only winner of all three events. If you’re worried about missing The Masters, the average winning time is a shade over nine minutes.
Read on for our guide on where to watch Grand National 2026 live streams online, on TV and potentially for free wherever you are.
Can I watch Grand National 2026 for free?
The Grand National is free-to-air on ITVX in the UK, Virgin Media Play in Ireland, and Racing.com in Australia.
Traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch Grand National 2026 as if you were right at home. NordVPN is our top pick of the options.
How to watch Grand National 2026 using a VPN
A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it’s back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.
Can I watch Grand National 2026 in the US?
Past editions of the Grand National have been live streamed on FanDuel TV in the US, with highlights on Fox Sports, but at the time of writing there’s no mention of the 2026 race on either of the networks’ schedules.
Visiting the US from the UK, Ireland or Australia? Use NordVPN to watch free-to-air Grand National coverage.
Can I watch Grand National 2026 in Canada?
Grand National 2026 appears to have slipped through the cracks in Canada too.
If you’re from the UK, Ireland or Australia, a VPN will help you tune in 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 free-to-air on ITV1 and via the ITVX streaming service. Live coverage gets underway at 12.45pm BST.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (e.g.HA9 0WS). Sign up here!
Outside the UK? You’ll need to download a VPN, as detailed above, to tap into your free Grand National stream from abroad.
How to watch Grand National 2026 live streams in Australia
Grand National 2026 is free-to-air on the Racing.com TV channel and website in Australia, with dedicated live coverage beginning at 9.45pm AEST.
Not in Australia? Use NordVPN if you’re away from home, in order to tap into your usual horse racing coverage from anywhere.
What is the Grand National 2026 schedule?
Saturday, April 11
8.20am – 3m 1/2f Handicap Hurdle
8.55am – 2m 4f Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
9.30am – 3m 1f Freebooter Handicap Chase
10.05am – 3m 1/2f Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1)
11am – 4m 2 1/2f Grand National (Premier Handicap)
(All times ET)
Who are the Grand National 2026 runners and riders?
I Am Maximus & Paul Townend – Willie Mullins
Grangeclare West & Patrick Mullins – Willie Mullins
Panic Attack & Harry Skelton – Dan Skelton
Jagwar & Mark Walsh – Oliver Greenall
Iroko & Jonjo O’Neill Jr. – Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Johnnywho & Richie McLernon – Jonjo & AJ O’Neill
Haiti Couleurs & Sean Bowen – Rebecca Curtis
Oscars Brother & Daniel King – Connor King
Captain Cody & Jonathan Burke – Willie Mullins
Monty’s Star & Darragh O’Keeffe – Henry De Bromhead
Gerri Colombe & Jack Kennedy – Gordon Elliott
Stellar Story & Robert Dunne – Gordon Elliott
Gorgeous Tom & Sean Flanagan – Henry De Bromhead
Final Orders & Conor Stone-Walsh – Gavin Cromwell
Jordans & Ben Jones – Joseph Patrick O’Brien
Spillane’s Tower & Simon Torrens – James Joseph Mangan
Champ Kiely & Danny Mullins – Willie Mullins
Favori De Champdou & Danny Gilligan – Gordon Elliott
Perceval Legallois & Harry Cobden – Gavin Cromwell
Quai De Bourbon & Donagh Meyler – Willie Mullins
Spanish Harlem & Brian Hayes – Willie Mullins
Lecky Watson & Sean O’Keeffe – Willie Mullins
Banbridge & JJ Slevin – Joseph Patrick O’Brien
Twig & Beau Morgan – Ben Pauling
Firefox & Keith Donoghue – Gordon Elliott
Three Card Brag & Jordan Gainford – Gordon Elliott
High Class Hero & James Bowen – Willie Mullins
Answer To Kayf & John Shinnick – Terence O’Brien
Mr Vango & Jack Tudor – Sara V Bradstock
The Real Whacker & Gavin Sheehan – Patrick Neville
Top of The Bill & Toby McCain-Mitchell – Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies
Beauport & Sam Twiston-Davies – Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies
Marble Sands & Kielan Woods – David Killahena and Graeme McPherson
Pied Piper & TBC – Gordon Elliott
What are the most famous Grand National fences?
At 1.57m tall on the takeoff side and 1.42m high on the landing side, The Chair is Aintree’s tallest fence. Making it more challenging still, it’s also one of the narrowest on the course, and is preceded by a 1.83m ditch.
However, the devilishly tricky configuration of Becher’s Brook has given it an even bigger reputation. It stands at 1.47m high on the takeoff side but drops significantly deeper on the landing side – 15cm deeper to the outside of the track and 25cm on the inside.
Canal Turn is another that demands care and attention. At 150cm it’s plenty tall, but the ensuing chaos stems from the sharp bend that follows immediately after.
What is the Grand National 2026 prize money?
The 2026 Grand National purse totals £1m, £500,000 of which is earmarked for the winner. Second place gets £200,000, third gets £100,000, fourth £65,000, fifth £40,000, sixth £30,000, seventh £20,000, eight £15,000, ninth £10,000, and 10th £5,000.
What are the Grand National weights?
The Grand National weights system is designed to produce a level playing-field, with the most talented and in-form runners having to carry the heaviest loads.
I Am Maximus (11st 12lb), Banbridge (11st 11lb), Gerri Colombe (11st 10lb), Grangeclare West (11st 10lb) and Haiti Couleurs (11st 10lb) have been assigned the heaviest handicaps.
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