Grand National 2026: Winner, Fatalities, and Race Report

The 2026 Grand National was supposed to be about history—I Am Maximus became the first since Red Rum to win the race twice—but by the end of the day, two horses had lost their lives. The deaths of Gold Dancer and Get On George have reignited the bitter debate over horse welfare in jump racing.

Race distance: 4 miles 2½ furlongs ·
Number of fences: 30 ·
First edition: 1839 ·
Prize fund: £1 million ·
Runners: 34 ·
Horse fatalities in 2026: 2

Eight key facts at a glance: the race details, winner, and casualty figures.

How many horses died in the Grand National 2026 today?

Two horses died during the 2026 Grand National: Gold Dancer and Get On George. Sports Mole racing news site reported 16 of the 34 starters fell, with two resulting in fatalities. The Jockey Club said the rate of fallers in races had declined over 21 years to 1.98% of runners, as noted by Wales Online Welsh news outlet.

The implication: despite a long-term safety trend, the sheer number of televised falls in a single race reopens the welfare debate in the most public way possible.

Is Broadway Boy ok after his fall?

Broadway Boy reportedly survived his fall, though official confirmation from the Jockey Club is still pending. No detailed veterinary bulletin has been released at the time of writing.

Do the whips hurt the horses?

British racing regulations limit whip use to six strokes per race per horse. The British Horseracing Authority governing body mandates padded whips that reduce impact. Animal welfare groups argue the practice still causes pain, but the BHA maintains the rules ensure consistency and minimal discomfort.

Which horse won the Grand National today?

I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, won the 2026 Grand National. ESPN sports news outlet confirmed he became the first horse since Red Rum to regain the title, having also won in 2024. The victory made Paul Townend a two‑time Grand National winner.

Who is favourite to win the Grand National?

Before the race, betting markets had I Am Maximus as the clear favourite. Racing Post racing data specialist listed him at odds of 7/1. The final field had 34 runners after three late withdrawals due to ground conditions.

The pattern: the overwhelming favourite delivered, but the story is now about the casualties, not the victory.

Who are the runners for the Grand National?

A total of 34 horses went to post for the 2026 Grand National. BBC Sport UK public broadcaster provided a full pinstickers’ guide with weights, jockeys, and form. Notable runners included I Am Maximus, Broadway Boy, and the 2025 winner, though the latter pulled out earlier in the week.

• I Am Maximus – No. 1, 11‑10, Paul Townend
• Broadway Boy – No. 6, 10‑12, Rachael Blackmore
• Gold Dancer – No. 22, 10‑7 (fatal fall)
• Get On George – No. 30, 10‑4 (fatal fall)

The full list can be found on The Jockey Club official racecourse authority results page.

What this means: the field was packed with talent, but the race will be remembered for the horses who did not finish.

What date is Grand National in 2026?

The 2026 Grand National took place on Saturday, 11 April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. ESPN confirmed the race was run at 5:15 pm BST and was the penultimate race of the three‑day Aintree Festival.

How much did Patrick Mullins win?

Patrick Mullins, a leading amateur jockey, reportedly won a share of the prize fund from his mount. The exact figure has not been confirmed by the Jockey Club. However, Wales Online Welsh news outlet noted typical jockey earnings for a National placing range from £5,000 (10th place) to £75,000 (winner).

Do jockeys get paid if they don’t win?

Yes. Under British racing rules, licensed jockeys receive a fixed riding fee (£180 per ride in 2026) plus a share of the prize money if placed. Non‑placed riders get only the fee. The Jockey Club administers the prize fund through The Jockey Club official racecourse authority.

The catch: even riders who escape injury walk away with a modest fee, while the debate over whether the sport is worth the cost to horses continues.

Timeline of the 2026 Grand National

• Early 2026 – entries open; 78 horses initially entered.
• April 2026 – Aintree Festival begins; three‑day meeting.
• 11 April 2026 – Grand National race day. ESPN
• 11 April 2026 – Gold Dancer and Get On George die during race; Broadway Boy falls but survives.
• Post‑race – PETA issues statement condemning the fatalities and calling for race reforms. PETA UK animal rights organisation

The implication: the timeline shows how quickly triumph turned to tragedy in a single afternoon.

Clarity: confirmed vs unconfirmed

The pattern: the confirmed facts are solid, but the open questions leave room for speculation that fuels the welfare debate.

Voices from the debate

The deaths at this year’s Grand National are a tragic reminder that the race places profit above the safety of the horses. We call on the Jockey Club to retire the National or implement mandatory safety reforms.

– PETA spokesperson, statement on 11 April 2026

The Jockey Club has not yet responded directly to PETA’s call, but has said it will review the race data as part of its ongoing equine welfare programme.

The rate of fallers has decreased over two decades. Every death is one too many, but the trend is moving in the right direction.

– Jockey Club representative, quoted by Wales Online Welsh news outlet

The conflict between long‑term safety improvements and the acute shock of a high‑profile fatality remains unresolved. For the British public, the Grand National is both a cherished tradition and a source of discomfort.

Summary

The 2026 Grand National leaves a divided legacy. I Am Maximus’s historic repeat victory was overshadowed by two horse deaths and a record number of fallers. The Jockey Club must now choose whether to invest in enforceable safety upgrades and independent oversight, or risk losing the public’s trust and the race’s future.

For a detailed breakdown of the 2026 Grand National, including the full list of runners and fatalities, the race report provides essential context for the safety debate.

Frequently asked questions