The Grand National thrills spectators but risks are inherent—the 2026 edition saw two horse deaths despite safety reforms. This article looks at the horses, the jockeys, and the measures in place to protect both, drawing on the latest incidents and reforms.
Number of runners (2026): 34 ·
Prize fund: £1 million ·
Number of fences: 30 ·
Race distance: 4 miles 2½ furlongs
Quick snapshot
- Field reduced to 34 runners (Grand National official site)
- Standing start introduced (Grand National official site)
- First fence moved 60 yards closer (Grand National official site)
- Minimum rating raised to 130 (Grand National official site)
- Long-term recovery of Broadway Boy
- Full extent of Robbie Dunne’s injuries
- Oisin Murphy’s exact 2026 earnings
- 10 April 2026 – Grand National race day
- 10 April 2026 – Robbie Dunne falls, taken to hospital
- 10 April 2026 – Gold Dancer and Get On George die during the race
- Post-race – Broadway Boy reported ‘absolutely A1’ by connections
- Future safety reviews by the Jockey Club
- Potential further fence modifications
- Continued jockey training and briefing requirements
The 2026 Grand National packed a lot of changes into one race. Here’s a quick reference of the key numbers and modifications.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Year | 2026 |
| Runners | 34 |
| Fences | 30 |
| Prize fund | £1 million |
| Location | Aintree Racecourse |
| First fence moved | 60 yards closer to start |
| Standing start | Introduced in 2023–24 season |
| Minimum rating | 130 |
| Start time | 4:00 pm (from 2024) |
What are the horses running in the Grand National?
The 2026 Grand National field featured 34 runners, including notable names such as Nick Rockett and Broadway Boy. The Grand National Review Panel scrutinises any horse that has made jumping errors in at least half of its last eight races (Grand National official site – policy). The minimum rating of 130 ensures only capable horses line up.
Who is the favourite horse to win the Grand National?
- According to BBC News (official broadcaster), the favourite horse was not named in the official safety report, but betting markets consistently highlight a frontrunner. The 2026 favourite was a horse with strong form over the National fences.
- Nick Rockett, owned by a syndicate, was among the runners but not the favourite.
The favourite carries the weight of public expectation—and the highest risk of falling if the ground or fences don’t suit.
The implication: even with a strong field, the favourite’s odds reflect only betting confidence, not guaranteed safety.
Was a jockey injured in the Grand National?
Yes, jockey Robbie Dunne fell from his horse during the 2026 Grand National and was taken to hospital (HorsePWR – welfare report). The exact nature of his injuries has not been disclosed, but the incident highlights the physical risks jockeys face.
Do jockeys get paid if they don’t win?
- Jockeys receive a riding fee regardless of finishing position, typically around £150–£300 per ride in major races. If they fall and are injured, they may also receive insurance payouts through the Professional Jockeys Association.
- Oisin Murphy, a top jockey, reportedly earns a base salary plus prize money, but his exact 2026 earnings are not public.
How much does Oisin Murphy earn?
Oisin Murphy, a multiple champion jockey, earns a significant income from riding fees and prize money, but specific figures for 2026 are not available. His earnings are estimated to be in the low six figures annually, though this is not confirmed.
Jockeys accept high injury risk for relatively modest base pay; the real money comes from winning and placing in big races.
The pattern: jockey compensation is a blend of fixed fees and performance bonuses, but the financial safety net is thin compared to the physical toll.
Did the horses survive the Grand National 2026?
Two horses, Gold Dancer and Get On George, died during the 2026 Grand National (BBC News – fatalities). The deaths sparked renewed criticism from animal welfare groups, including PETA, which called for further safety reforms.
Is Broadway Boy ok today?
- Broadway Boy was reported “absolutely A1” by his connections after the race (HorsePWR – recovery update). However, long-term recovery is still being monitored.
- No further fatalities have been reported among the remaining 32 horses.
Welfare measures have improved, but the 2026 deaths show that risk can never be eliminated in a 30-fence race over 4 miles 2½ furlongs.
The catch: even with the best veterinary care, the Grand National remains a high-risk event for horses.
Who owns the horse Nick Rockett?
Nick Rockett is owned by a syndicate, not a single billionaire. The horse’s ownership is shared among several investors who pool resources to cover training and entry fees (Grand National official site – ownership).
Is JP McManus a billionaire?
- JP McManus, a prominent racehorse owner, is indeed a billionaire according to the Sunday Times Rich List (BBC News – wealth report). He owns several Grand National contenders, though not Nick Rockett.
- Other notable owners include the Smith family and the late Trevor Hemmings.
The implication: billionaire ownership brings financial security to the sport, but it also raises questions about the concentration of wealth in horse racing.
What time is the Grand National?
The 2026 Grand National was scheduled for a 4:00 pm start on 10 April 2026, a change from earlier years to preserve ground conditions (HorsePWR – start time). The race was broadcast live on ITV and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Grand National results 2026
- The winner of the 2026 Grand National was [horse name], with [jockey] aboard. Official results are available from the Jockey Club.
- Gold Dancer and Get On George were the only fatalities.
Grand National winners history
- The Grand National has been run since 1839, with winners including Red Rum (three times) and Tiger Roll (two times).
- Recent winners include Corach Rambler (2023) and I Am Maximus (2024).
The pattern: the Grand National start time has shifted to prioritise horse welfare, but the race’s historical prestige remains unchanged.
Timeline signal
- 10 April 2026 – Grand National race day
- 10 April 2026 – Robbie Dunne falls from horse and is taken to hospital
- 10 April 2026 – Horses Gold Dancer and Get On George die during the race
- Post-race – Broadway Boy reported ‘absolutely A1’ by connections
Confirmed facts
- Gold Dancer and Get On George died in the 2026 Grand National (BBC News – fatalities)
- Robbie Dunne was taken to hospital after a fall (HorsePWR – welfare report)
- The 2026 race had 34 runners (Grand National official site)
- Nick Rockett is a horse owned by a syndicate (Grand National official site – ownership)
What’s unclear
- Long-term recovery status of Broadway Boy
- Full extent of Robbie Dunne’s injuries
- Exact earnings of Oisin Murphy for 2026
- Future adjustments to the race format
Perspectives from the event
“He’s absolutely A1”
– Broadway Boy’s trainer, after the race, confirming the horse’s condition (HorsePWR – recovery update)
“Gold Dancer and Get On George Die at Grand National 2026 – criticism of safety”
– PETA statement, calling for further reforms (BBC News – fatalities)
The 2026 Grand National was a race of contrasts: record-breaking safety measures coexisting with two horse fatalities. For the Jockey Club, the challenge is to continue reducing risk without altering the fundamental character of the event. For animal welfare groups, the deaths are a clear signal that more must be done. The Grand National’s future depends on balancing tradition and safety, a question the Jockey Club must answer.
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The 2026 Grand National’s tragic fatalities and ongoing safety debates are covered in the 2026 race report.
Frequently asked questions
How many fences are in the Grand National?
30 fences, including Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn.
What is the prize money for winning the Grand National?
The total prize fund is £1 million, with the winner receiving approximately £561,300.
Who won the Grand National in 2025?
I Am Maximus won the 2025 Grand National.
Are horses euthanized after the Grand National?
No, horses are not routinely euthanized. Only if they suffer a fatal injury during the race or are found to have a poor quality of life afterwards.
How long is the Grand National course?
4 miles 2½ furlongs (about 6.9 km).
What is the age limit for Grand National horses?
Horses must be at least 7 years old to run in the Grand National.
Can a jockey compete in the Grand National after a fall?
Yes, if they are cleared by medical staff. Robbie Dunne, for example, was taken to hospital but may return in future races.
Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.