Intro and how to use this guide
Welcome to our guide to the Grand National Festival where you will find all the key information ahead of the 2026 Grand National Festival at Aintree.
This year's Grand National Festival takes place at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool over three days on Thursday 9, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 April 2026.
Want the latest tips and top picks for Aintree 2026? Visit our Grand National tips hub.
Festival dates and day-by-day schedule
Day One of the Grand National Festival - Thursday 9 April - Opening Day schedule
Day One of the Grand National Festival at Aintree on Thursday 9 April is Opening Day, featuring four Grade 1 races - the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, the William Hill Manifesto Novices' Chase, the Aintree Bowl Chase and the William Hill Aintree Hurdle.
There is also the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase over the Grand National course and the day's feature handicap is the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, named after the legendary Red Rum, who won the Grand National a record three times, 1973, 1974 and 1977.
13:45 - Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (4YO only) 2m 4f
14:20 - William Hill Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (5YO plus) 2m 1½f
14:55 - The Aintree Bowl Chase (Grade 1) (5YO plus) 3m 1f
15:30 - Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase (Class 2) (6YO plus) 2m 5f
16:05 - William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (4YO plus) 2m 4f
16:40 - Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (5YO plus) 2m
17:15 - Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (4YO to 6YO) 2m 1f
Day Two of the Grand National Festival - Friday 10 April - Ladies Day schedule
Day Two of the Grand National Festival at Aintree is on Friday 10 April is Ladies Day, also featuring four Grade 1 races - the Mildmay Novices' Chase, the Top Novices' Hurdle, the JCB Melling Chase and the Sefton Novices' Hurdle. There is also the Randox Topham Handicap Chase (a Premier Handicap), which takes place over the Grand National course.
13:45 - William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4YO plus) 2m 4f
14:20 - Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5YO plus) 3m 1f
14:55 - Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4YO plus) 2m ½f
15:30 - JCB Melling Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5YO plus) 2m 4f
16:05 - Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5YO plus) 2m 5f
16:40 - Oddschecker Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4YO plus) 3m ½f
Day Three of the Grand National Festival - Saturday 11 April - Grand National Day schedule
Day Three of the Grand National Festival at Aintree is on Saturday 11 April is Grand National Day. The Randox Grand National is the main event of the Festival and takes place at 4pm on Saturday 11 April. There are also three Grade 1 races on Grand National Day, the Maghull Novices' Chase, the Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle and the Liverpool Hurdle.
12:45 - Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5YO plus) 2m
13:20 - William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4YO plus) 3m ½f
13:55 - Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4YO plus) 2m 4f
15:05 - Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4YO plus) 3m ½f
Key Races Overview
There are several key races at the Grand National Festival at Aintree, none more so than the Grand National itself, the world's most famous steeplechase.
It was first run in 1839 and takes place over the famous National course over 4 miles 2 1⁄2 furlongs, where horses have to jump 30 fences. These spruce-topped obstacles are different to conventional fences with some of the best known fences being Becher's Brook, The Chair and the Canal Turn.
The most famous winner of the Grand National is the legendary Red Rum, who Ginger McCain trained to win the race on a record three occasions, 1973, 1974 and 1977.
Willie Mullins has trained the past two winners of the Grand National, Nick Rockett (2025) and I Am Maximus (2024), who also finished second in 2025. I Am Maximus is the current ante-post favourite for the 2026 Randox Grand National at Aintree.
ATR tipster James Flaherty provides in-depth analysis of every runner in the 2026 renewal of Randox Grand National and reveals his top picks and expert verdict for the big race.
There are several other key races at the Grand National Festival at Aintree, with four Grade 1 races taking place on Opening Day on Thursday 9 April.
The Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle over two miles and a furlong is the first race of the festival and often attracts the best juvenile hurdlers like Defi Du Seuil (2017) and Pentland Hills (2019), who both followed up victories in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
The William Hill Manifesto Novices' Chase is next over two and a half miles and the likes of Protektorat, Banbridge and Il Etait Temps have won the contest in recent years before going on to be stars in open company.
The day's feature, the Racing Welfare Bowl Chase, over three miles and a furlong is the Grand National Festival's equivalent to the Cheltenham Gold Cup and was won last year by subsequent 2026 Gold Cup hero Gaelic Warrior. Other notable names on the prestigious roll of honour include Desert Orchid, Florida Pearl and Cue Card.
Sky Sports Racing pundit Tom Collins takes a detailed look at the 2026 renewal of the Grade 1 Racing Welfare Bowl Chase, where he analyses every runner and gives his expert tip and verdict for the big race.
The William Hill Aintree Hurdle is the final Grade 1 on Opening day and presents an opportunity for hurdlers in open company to compete at the intermediate distance of two and a half miles. In 2025, Lossiemouth defeated fellow Irish-trained mare Wodhooh. The winner went on to land this season's Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival whist the runner-up scored in the Mares' Hurdle.
The Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase over the Grand National course is Aintree's equivalent to Cheltenham's Hunters' Chase, albeit over a shorter trip of two miles and five furlongs. Cheltenham Hunters' Chase winner Barton Snow is the current ante-post favourite.
The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase is a Premier Handicap over two miles named after the legendary Red Rum, who won the Grand National a record three times, 1973, 1974 and 1977.
The Mildmay Novices' Chase over three miles and a furlong is the first Grade 1 contest on Friday, Ladies Day. It often features horses which competed in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and Might Bite in 2017 did the double. Inothewayurthinkin took the title in 2024 before lifting the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following season.
The Top Novices' Hurdle over two miles has in the recent past been won by future champion hurdlers My Tent Or Yours and Buveur d'Air whilst Nicky Henderson also trained the brilliant Jonbon to victory in 2022.
The feature race on Ladies Day at Aintree is the Melling Chase over the intermediate trip of two and a half miles. It boasts a roll of honour that is the who’s who of two-mile to two-and-a-half-mile chasers since its inception, including 11 individual winners of the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Subsequent Gold Cup winner Don Cossack won this in 2015 when beating a subsequent King George winner in Cue Card.
Sky Sports Racing presenter Kieran O' Sullivan takes a detailed look at the 2026 renewal of the Grade 1 JCB Melling Chase, where he analyses every runner and gives his expert tip and verdict for the big race.
The final Grade 1 contest on Ladies Day is the Sefton Novices' Hurdle over three miles. In the last decade the Sefton has been won by some top-class horses, most notably the Stayers’ Hurdle and King George VI Chase winner Thistlecrack, while many others have been defeated in this including three of the last four King George winners in Bravemansgame, Banbridge and The Jukebox Man.
The Randox Topham Handicap Chase is a Premier Handicap which takes place over the Grand National course over two miles and five furlongs. Legendary trainer Willie Mullins has been responsible for Ireland’s last four Topham winners following the success of Gentleman De Mee last season. Champion trainer elect Dan Skelton is set to saddle this year's ante-post favourite though, Cheltenham Festival winner Madara.
There are three Grade 1 races on the final day of the Festival at Aintree, Grand National Day.The Maghull Novices' Chase over two miles is Aintree's equivalent to the Arkle Chase and the brilliant Shishkin won both races in 2021. It is a key pointer to future Queen Mother Champion Chases the Cheltenham Festival and the likes Finian's Rainbow, Sprinter Sacre and Special Tiara have all subsequently lifted the two-mile chasing crown after victory here.
The Mersey Novices' Hurdle over two and a half miles is the Aintree equivalent of the Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle. Stand out previous winners of the race of the Mersey include future Champion Hurdle winner Morley Street and three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate, whilst powerful Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has landed the last four renewals.
The last Grade 1 race at the Grand National Festival is the Liverpool Hurdle over three miles and takes place before the Grand National itself. Legendary hurdler Big Buck's won the contest on four consecutive occasions whilst Sire Du Berlais followed up his Stayers' Hurdle win here in 2023 and then again landed the Liverpool Hurdle the following year.
Sky Sports Racing presenter Dave Orton takes a detailed look at the 2026 renewal of the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle, where he analyses every runner and gives his expert tip and verdict for the big race.
How Aintree handicaps work
In the Grand National, each horse carries a different weight determined by the British Horseracing Authority handicapper, based on their form and ability. The aim is to equalise the field: higher-rated horses carry more weight, giving lower-rated runners a theoretical chance. The weights were published in February, and horses deemed 'well handicapped' are historically among the strongest Grand National trends.
Grand National past winners snapshot
| Year | Going | Ran | Winner | Age | Weight | Official Rating | Form | Last run | Trainer | Jockey | SP | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Good to Soft | 34 | Nick Rockett | 8 | 11 8 | 163 | 411 | 42 days | W P Mullins | Patrick Mullins | 33/ 1 | 9:06.14 |
| 2024 | Soft | 32 | I Am Maximus | 8 | 11 6 | 159 | 41-1431 | 49 days | W P Mullins | Paul Townend | 7/ 1 | 9:27.68 |
| 2023 | Good to Soft | 39 | Corach Rambler | 9 | 10 5 | 146 | 4U1-541 | 32 days | Miss Lucinda V Russell | Derek Fox | 8/ 1 | 9:10.62 |
| 2022 | Good to Soft | 40 | Noble Yeats | 7 | 10 10 | 147 | 469P29 | 25 days | E Mullins | Mr Sam Waley-Cohen | 50/ 1 | 9:03.06 |
| 2021 | Good to Soft | 40 | Minella Times | 8 | 10 3 | 146 | 120-122 | 62 days | H De Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore | 11/ 1 | 9:15.42 |
| 2019 | Good to Soft | 40 | Tiger Roll | 9 | 11 5 | 159 | 511-411 | 24 days | G Elliott | Davy Russell | 4/ 1 | 9:01.10 |
| 2018 | Heavy | 38 | Tiger Roll | 8 | 10 13 | 150 | 1P-2P51 | 31 days | G Elliott | Davy Russell | 10/ 1 | 9:41.30 |
| 2017 | Good to Soft | 40 | One For Arthur | 8 | 10 11 | 148 | 243-151 | 84 days | Miss Lucinda V Russell | Derek Fox | 14/ 1 | 9:02.80 |
| 2016 | Soft | 39 | Rule The World | 9 | 10 7 | 148 | S32254 | 34 days | M F Morris | D J Mullins | 33/ 1 | 9:29.50 |
| 2015 | Good to Soft | 39 | Many Clouds | 8 | 11 9 | 160 | B4-1116 | 29 days | O Sherwood | Leighton Aspell | 25/ 1 | 8:58.80 |
| 2014 | Good to Soft | 40 | Pineau De Re | 11 | 10 6 | 143 | 5F2713 | 23 days | Dr R Newland & J Insole | Leighton Aspell | 25/ 1 | 9:09.30 |
| 2013 | Good to Soft | 40 | Auroras Encore | 11 | 10 3 | 137 | 0P45F5 | 35 days | S Smith | Ryan Mania | 66/ 1 | 9:12.00 |
| 2012 | Good | 40 | Neptune Collonges | 11 | 11 6 | 157 | 86-P422 | 56 days | P F Nicholls | Daryl Jacob | 33/ 1 | 9:05.10 |
| 2011 | Good | 40 | Ballabriggs | 10 | 11 0 | 150 | 031-112 | 35 days | D McCain Jnr | J Maguire | 14/ 1 | 9:01.20 |
| 2010 | Good | 40 | Don't Push It | 10 | 11 5 | 153 | 71-423P | 23 days | J & A O'Neill | A P McCoy | 10/ 1 | 9:04.70 |
| 2009 | Good to Soft | 40 | Mon Mome | 9 | 11 0 | 148 | 218278 | 21 days | Miss V Williams | Liam Treadwell | 100/ 1 | 9:31.90 |
| 2008 | Good | 40 | Comply Or Die | 9 | 10 9 | 139 | 4P-0P21 | 42 days | D Pipe | Timmy Murphy | 7/ 1 | 9:16.60 |
| 2007 | Good | 44 | Silver Birch | 10 | 10 6 | 138 | F-38242 | 32 days | G Elliott | Robbie Power | 33/ 1 | 9:13.20 |
| 2006 | Good to Soft | 40 | Numbersixvalverde | 10 | 10 8 | 138 | 84B443 | 27 days | M Brassil | Niall Madden | 11/ 1 | 9:41.00 |
| 2005 | Good to Soft | 40 | Hedgehunter | 9 | 11 1 | 144 | 924061 | 49 days | W P Mullins | Ruby Walsh | 7/ 1 | 9:20.70 |
Grand National trends snapshot
- 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
Grand National tips and analysis
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. More Grand National tips and analysis from attheraces.com writers and Sky Sports Racing presenters will be appearing throughout the Festival.
Visit our Grand National tips hub for all the latest tips and top picks for Aintree 2026.
Grand National Frequently Asked Questions
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 4.00 on Saturday 11 April
How does each-way work 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.