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Can I Am Maximus claim a historic second win?
Kevin Lynch is a London-born, Dublin-based writer and journalist. The author of Steve Jobs: A Biographic Portrait, Kevin is a regular feature writer for a number of tech sites and the former Technology Editor for the Daily Mirror. He has also served as editor of GuinnessWorldRecords.com and has been a member of the judging panel for the BAFTA British Academy Video Game Awards.
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Watch the Grand National in Canada for CA$15 a month
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The 178th Grand National is upon us, with 34 declared runners set to tackle the intimidating fences of the world’s most famous horse race.
With last year’s winner Nick Rockett having withdrawn earlier this week following a bout of coughing, 2024 champion I Am Maximus has emerged as this year’s favorite. The French-bred bay gelding is one of eight horses on the field from Irish trainer Willie Mullins’ stable.
Dan Skelton-trained Panic Attack, meanwhile, is widely tipped to become the first mare in 75 years to win the 4-mile race.
The Grand National takes place at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. The horses are set to get under starter’s orders on Saturday, April 11 at 4 p.m. BST local time in the UK (8 a.m. PT or 11 a.m. ET in the US and Canada, and 1 a.m. AEST on Sunday, April 12, in Australia).
The first Grand National was run at Aintree in 1839.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesLivestream the Grand National 2026 in the US
FanDuel Sports Network will once again be showing the Grand National live in the US.
How to watch the Grand National 2026 online from anywhere using a VPN
IIf you’re traveling abroad and want to watch all of the action from Aintree while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming.
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However, some streaming services may have policies that restrict VPN use to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions to ensure you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verify whether your streaming subscription allows VPN use.
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Livestream the Grand National 2026 in the UK for free
Horse racing fans in the UK can watch this year’s event live and for free, with the Grand National being shown on free-to-air broadcaster ITV1. That also means you’ll be able to stream the race for free on the network’s streaming service ITVX. Coverage starts at 12:45 p.m. BST on Saturday, with the Grand National itself set to start at 4 p.m.
ITVX is free to use in the UK, and works across a wide range of devices, including Chromecast, desktop, iOS and Android, Roku, Sky Glass and Xbox.
Can I livestream the Grand National 2026 in Canada?
Canadian sports fans looking to watch Saturday’s race can watch all the action live via Sportsnet.
Sportsnet is available via most cable operators, but cord-cutters can subscribe to the network’s standalone streaming service Sportsnet Plus instead. There are two main tiers — $30 per month or $250 per year for the Standard package, and $43 per month or $325 per year for the Premium tier. A 4-month package is also available for $120.
Livestream the Grand National 2026 in Australia for free
Horse racing fans in Australia can watch the big race for free via the Racing.com TV channel and Racing.com website.
The Grand National 2026: Runners and riders
(Number, horse, breeding nation, jockey)
- 1. I Am Maximus (FR) Paul Townend
- 3. Banbridge (IRE) JJ Slevin
- 4. Grangeclare West (IRE) Patrick Mullins
- 5. Gerri Colombe (FR) Jack Kennedy
- 6. Haiti Couleurs (FR) Sean Bowen
- 8. Firefox (IRE) Keith Donoghue
- 9. Monty’s Star (IRE) Darragh O’Keeffe
- 10. Spanish Harlem (FR) Brian Hayes
- 11. Lecky Watson (IRE) Sean O’Keeffe
- 12. Champ Kiely (IRE) Danny Mullins
- 13. Iroko (FR) Jonjo O’Neill Jr
- 14. Favori De Champdou (FR) Danny Gilligan
- 15. Three Card Brag (IRE) Jordan Gainford
- 16. Oscars Brother (IRE) Daniel King
- 17. Mr Vango (IRE) Jack Tudor
- 18. High Class Hero (GB) James Bowen
- 19. Stellar Story (IRE) Robert Dunne
- 20. Beauport (IRE) Sam Twiston-Davies
- 21. Captain Cody (IRE) Jonathan Burke
- 22. Jagwar (FR) Mark Walsh
- 23. Perceval Legallois (FR) Harry Cobden
- 24. Gorgeous Tom (IRE) Sean Flanagan
- 25. The Real Whacker (IRE) Gavin Sheehan
- 26. Quai De Bourbon (FR) Donagh Meyler
- 27. Answer To Kayf (GB) John Shinnick
- 28. Jordans (FR) Ben Jones
- 29. Final Orders (GB) Conor Stone-Walsh
- 30. Marble Sands (FR) Kielan Woods
- 31. Panic Attack (IRE) Harry Skelton
- 32. Top Of The Bill (IRE) Toby McCain-Mitchell
- 33. Johnnywho (IRE) Richie McLernon
- 34. Twig (GB) Beau Morgan
- 36. Imperial Saint (FR) Callum Pritchard
- 37. Amirite (IRE) Phillip Enright
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