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Grand National Final Field Set at 34 as I Am Maximus Leads Betting

ITV1 will air Saturday's £1m Aintree showpiece at 4pm BST.

Overview

  • Final declarations on Wednesday named a full 34-runner field for Saturday's Aintree race, plus six reserves in case of withdrawals.
  • Past winners I Am Maximus (2024) and Nick Rockett (2025) are declared, with Paul Townend booked for I Am Maximus and Tom Bellamy for Nick Rockett.
  • I Am Maximus heads the market and carries top weight of 11st 12lb, a demanding assignment no horse has converted into victory since Red Rum.
  • ITV1 and Racing TV will show the race live, with Saturday coverage from 12.45pm and a 4pm BST start for the Grand National and a total purse of £1 million.
  • Willie Mullins has nine declared runners and JP McManus owns several leading hopes including I Am Maximus, Jagwar and Iroko, reflecting tighter entry rules and a 34-runner cap that concentrate top-level talent.