Welcome to our Grand National 2026 tips hub where you will find top picks, tips for all three days of Aintree, each-way information, trends and FAQs.
Grand National Top Picks
ATR's ante-post specialist Gary Nutting has shared his top picks for the Grand National, the Topham Chase, the William Hill Hurdle and the William Hill Handicap Chase - click here to find out his fancies.
During the Festival, Sky Sports Racing presenters are picking out their top four tips for the Randox Grand National, which will cover each-way betting in the National. Whilst ATR tipster James Flaherty provides in-depth analysis of every runner in the Randox Grand National before revealing his top picks and expert verdict for the National.
Grand National Tips by day
Day One - Thursday 9 April, Opening Day
Tips for day one of the Grand National Festival on Thursday 9 April are available here from our team of top tipsters and specialist writers, including attheraces.com's lead tipster Hugh Taylor.
We also have tips from award-winning writer Kevin Blake as well as Total Performance Data's Adam Mills plus Sky Sports Racing presenter Anthony Ennis, who's selecting his best multiple bets.
Sky Sports Racing pundit Tom Collins is taking a detailed look at the day's feature the Grade 1 Racing Welfare Bowl Chase, analysing every runner and giving his expert tip and verdict for the big race.
Day Two - Friday 10 April, Ladies Day
Tips for day two of the Grand National Festival on Friday 10 April are available here from our team of top tipsters and specialist writers, headed by attheraces.com's lead tipster Hugh Taylor.
We'll also have tips from award-winning writer Kevin Blake as well as Total Performance Data's Adam Mills plus Sky Sports Racing presenter Anthony Ennis, who's selecting his best multiple bets.
Sky Sports Racing presenter Kieran O' Sullivan is taking a detailed look at the day's feature contest, the Grade 1 JCB Melling Chase, analysing every runner and giving his expert tip and verdict for the big race.
Day Three - Saturday 11 April, Grand National Day
Tips for day three of the Grand National Festival on Saturday 11 April are available here from our team of top tipsters and specialist writers, headed by attheraces.com's lead tipster Hugh Taylor.
We'll also have tips from award-winning writer Kevin Blake, Sports Racing pundit Declan Rix, as well as Total Performance Data's Adam Mills plus Sky Sports Racing presenter Anthony Ennis, who's selecting his best multiple bets.
Sky Sports Racing presenter Dave Orton is taking a detailed look at the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle, analysing every runner and giving his expert tip and verdict.
Each-way betting in the Grand National
An each-way bet is essentially two bets in one. The first is a bet on your chosen horse to win. The second is a bet on your chosen horse to place. If you choose a stake of £1, your total stake will be £2. £1 on the horse to win, and another £1 on it to place.
Obviously a win means finishing first. A place means finishing either first, or in one of a number of places – typically 2nd, 3rd or 4th. Bookmakers usually pay at least four places on the Grand National but some can offer up to seven places. Make sure you check the place terms before making your bet.
The place terms for your bet include, the number of places the bookmaker will pay out on, and the fraction of the odds you will get if the horse does place. Usually 1/4 or 1/5. In each-way betting, if your horse wins, you will win both the ‘win’ and ‘place’ parts of your bet. But if it only places, you will lose the ‘win’ part of your bet and win the ‘place’ part of your bet.
Want to work out potential returns on your each-way bet in the Grand National? Use our Free Bet Calculator.
Grand National Trends snapshot
In his detailed Grand National Stats Guide, Paul Jones reveals the key positives and negatives to look out for when making your Grand National picks.
- Positives
- Trained in Ireland (notably by Willie Mullins)
- No more than two seasons over fences
- Officially ‘well in’ since the weights were released (notably if 5lb+ ‘well in’)
- Ran over hurdles earlier in the season
- Contested the Cross Country or Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
- Prepped in the Bobbyjo Chase
- Owned by J P McManus, Hemmings Racing or Gigginstown House Stud
- Bred in Ireland
- Negatives
- Aged 10+
- Considered to be a '2m4f specialist'
- Fallen or unseated more than twice earlier in their career
- Winner of the Haydock Grand National Trial or Sky Bet Chase
- Trained by Nicky Henderson
- More than seven runs this season
Whilst in his detailed Trendspotting series, David Myers looks at which trainers and jockeys are likely to come out on top at the Grand National Festival at Aintree.
Grand National Frequently Asked Questions
Can ChatGPT pick winning horses?
Using AI for racing tips is an emerging strategy but there isn’t evidence it can find more winners than expert tipsters. Hugh Taylor has generated 17 years of level stakes profit tipping on attheraces.com whilst Kevin Blake has enjoyed great tipping success and is an award-winning writer.
How many days is the Grand National Festival?
The Grand National Festival takes place over three days.
What are the Aintree Festival dates in 2026?
The dates of the 2026 Grand National Festival are Thursday 9 April, Friday 10 April, and Saturday 11 April.
What date is the Grand National 2026?
The 2026 Grand National is Saturday 11 April
What day is Ladies Day at Aintree in 2026?
Ladies Day at Aintree is Friday 10 April
What time is the main Grand National race?
The time of the Grand National is 4pm on Saturday 11 April
Where can I find more information about the Grand National Festival?
Click here to read our guide to the Grand National Festival