The Grand National 2026 Festival takes place from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April at Aintree, with the main race scheduled as the penultimate event. As one of the biggest events in the horse racing calendar, the three-day meeting attracts huge crowds, top jockeys and trainers, and major betting interest. From Opening Day and Ladies Day to the world-famous Grand National itself, this preview covers the key dates, latest favourites, betting tips, and the winning insights you need before the big meeting.
Grand National Odds & Predictions
With the Grand National Festival fast approaching, ante-post betting is already taking shape across the major bookmakers. To get the best value on your regular bets, bet365, Betfred, and Ladbrokes/Coral stand out as the best places for Grand National 2026 odds. These familiar names regularly offer the top-price on runners.
Here are our predictions for each feature race of the festival:
- The red-hot Barton Snow (3/1) heads the betting for Thursday’s Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase ahead of Unexpected Party (4/1). Barton Snow recently extended his impressive winning streak at Cheltenham by beating Its On The Line (5/1) by a neck, but we think Emmet Mullins’ runner can get revenge here. The shorter distance of this race may well work in his favour, as it did in 2024 when he won this event.
- For Friday’s Topham Handicap Chase, Madara (6/1) stands as the bookies’ favourite, followed by Will The Wise (8/1) and Ile Atlantique (12/1). For this contest though, Waterford Whispers (14/1) catches our eye. Henry De Bromhead’s horse finished just five lengths behind Will The Wise at Galway in October off the same weight. This time, however, he carries a seven-pound advantage, and the lightly handicapped runner could thrive off his low mark.
- For the festival’s highlight event, the Grand National, I Am Maximum (8/1) tops the market, followed closely by Grangeclare West (10/1) and Jagwar (10/1). While all offer some appeal, from all the Grand National runners, we most like Monty’s Star (16/1). Henry de Bromhead’s nine-year-old has spent the last two seasons running in top-class races, posting Racing Post Ratings in the low 160s. Dropping into a handicap from that level is always worth noting, especially when he carries 11st 3lb, which sits right in the ideal weight range when looking at recent winners.
Grand National 2026 Schedule
The Grand National 2026 Festival runs from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April at Aintree, with three days of top-class National Hunt racing. The schedule builds towards the headline Grand National race on Saturday afternoon. However, there is a quality supporting card throughout. Here is a list showing the times for all the festival races.
Thursday 9th April 2026 – Opening Day
| 1.45pm | The Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle Race | 2m 4f |
| 2.20pm | The William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase | 2m 1f |
| 2.55pm | The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase | 3m 1f |
| 3.30pm | The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase | 2m 5f |
| 4.05pm | The William Hill Aintree Hurdle Race | 2m 4f |
| 4.40pm | The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase | 2m |
| 5.15pm | The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race | 2m 1f |
Friday 10th April 2026 – Ladies Day
| 1.45pm | The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race | 3m 1f |
| 2.20pm | The William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase | 2m 4f |
| 2.55pm | The Top Novices’ Hurdle Race | 2m 1/2f |
| 3.30pm | The Jcb Melling Steeple Chase | 2m 4f |
| 4.05pm | The Randox Topham Handicap Steeple Chase | 2m 5f |
| 4.40pm | The Oddschecker Sefton Novices’ Hurdle Race | 3m 1/2f |
| 5.15pm | The Debenhams Handicap Hurdle Race | 2m 1/2f |
Saturday 11th April 2026 – Grand National Day
| 12.45pm | The Hallgarten And Novum Wines Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase | 2m |
| 1.20pm | The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race | 3m 1/2f |
| 1.55pm | The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle Race | 2m 4f |
| 2.30pm | The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase | 3m 1f |
| 3.05pm | The Liverpool Hurdle Race | 3m 1/2f |
| 4.00pm | The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase | 4m 2 1/2f |
| 5.00pm | The Weatherbys Nhstallions.Co.UK Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race | 2m 1 |
Non Runner No Bet at Grand National & Why You Should Use It
Non Runner No Bet (NRNB) can be invaluable for punters betting on the Grand National in the ante-post market. There is always a chance that your chosen horse may be withdrawn before the final declarations, whether due to injury, illness or unsuitable ground. It is also possible that your horse simply does not make the final cut, as only the 34 highest-rated contenders can line up.
While there are several reasons why your selected horse may not take part, NRNB ensures your ante-post stake is refunded if your horse does not run. Consequently, punters can benefit from early betting when prices are often at their best, without carrying the usual risk.
Ordinarily, with horse race betting, punters will lose their stake if an ante-post runner does not feature. Refunds are normally only issued on bets placed on runners after the final declarations. However, for the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National, many bookmakers introduce NRNB protection weeks before the race begins.
Provided your chosen bookmaker offers this policy on the Grand National, you can just place a win or each/way bet as normal, and it will be covered. Note that NRNB typically only covers the Grand National itself and not supporting races.
Grand National Festival 2026 Tips
The Grand National Festival attracts plenty of casual fans, so here are our Grand National betting tips that may help when placing your bets. For large races, including the Grand National itself, it often makes sense to spread your risk across multiple bets. So, rather than placing your full budget on one horse, we recommend picking two or three runners, depending on the size of the field. Additionally, each-way betting is advisable.
Keep an eye out for races with extra places on each-way terms. Many bookmakers will enhance the each-way terms on selected races, and they tend to be most generous for the Grand National itself. As standard, the race should only cover the top four runners, but you will find bookmakers covering six or seven runners (or even more). With more places covered, you increase the chances of getting a return on an each-way bet.
Speaking of bookmaker promotions, ensure any bookmaker you bet with has a best odds guaranteed (BOG) policy. This commonly available promo ensures that punters get the best price on a winning ‘to win’ or ‘each-way’ selection. How it works is that if you place a bet on a runner at fixed-odds and the starting price (SP) is higher, the bookmaker will pay out at the higher odds. Note that such policies typically only apply to bets placed on the same day as the race (usually after 9/10am).
Additionally, as said, you should make full use of the Non Runner No Bet (NRNB) promotion, usually offered only on the Grand National itself. This will ensure you receive a refund on any early bets placed, should your horse not appear in the final line-up.
Finally, as well as these more standard bookmaker promotions, look for any sites offering free bets and enhanced odds. There are usually many great offers available for both new and existing customers and you increase your odds of profiting by taking advantage of them.
Grand National Festival Betting Offers & Free Bets
The Grand National Festival is one of the biggest betting events of the year. Consequently, bookmakers usually respond with a wide range of special offers and free bets. From enhanced odds and money back deals to extra-place promotions and sign-up bonuses, it is worth taking advantage of the best Grand National offers.
Betano Grand National Offer – Bet £20 Get £40 in Free Bets
Betano’s Grand National promotion lets new customers place a £20 bet and receive £40 in free bets across selected markets. After signing up, opting in, depositing, and placing a qualifying horse racing bet, the free bets are credited once the initial wager is settled.
It’s a simple and user-friendly offer with no wagering requirements on any winnings, which makes it appealing for Grand National betting. Keep in mind that the free bets come with certain usage conditions and a limited validity period.
18+ Opt in, deposit and bet £20 on any Horse Racing market (Odds 1/1+) within 7 days of sign up. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets for set markets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.orgBetfred Grand National Offer – Bet £10 Get £5 in Free Bets
Betfred’s daily Grand National offer gives punters the chance to bet £10 on the first Aintree race and get £5 in free bets to use later the same day. The promotion is available on selected festival days and applies to both win and each-way bets.
This is a simple, low-risk deal ideal for daily action during the festival, although the free bet must be used on the same day. It’s a solid way to boost your betting bankroll across the Grand National meeting.
Opt in daily. Win/EW single (1/5+) of £10+ on 13:45 Aintree 09/04/26 & 10/04/26. £5 E/W will count. £5 Free Bets on settlement. Restricted to Aintree bets on 09/04 & 10/04. Removed same day. T&Cs Apply.Betfred Money Back if 2nd Offer
Betfred’s money back if 2nd promotion gives punters a safety net on selected Aintree races, with stakes refunded as cash if your horse finishes second. The offer applies to win and each-way bets placed after opting in on the featured race.
With up to £10 refunded, this is a great way to reduce risk on competitive races, especially during the Grand National Festival. It’s a useful promotion for those backing strong contenders that just miss out on victory.
Opt in req. Available from 08:00. Selection must finish 2nd in selected race(s). Win singles & win part of E/W bets only. Cash within 24 hours, max £10. Min runner rules apply. T&Cs Apply.BetVictor Grand National Welcome Offer – Bet £10 Get £5 in Free Bets
BetVictor’s Grand National welcome offer gives new customers the chance to bet £10 and receive £5 in free bets on horse racing. After opting in, depositing, and placing a qualifying bet at minimum odds, the free bet is credited once the wager settles.
This is a straightforward, low-commitment offer with no wagering requirements on winnings, making it a solid choice for casual punters. Just keep in mind the free bet must be used within a limited timeframe and comes with standard conditions.
18+ Opt in, deposit & bet £10+ on any Horse Racing market at minimum odds of 1/1. No Cash Out. Get £5 in Horse Racing Free Bets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Offer valid until 17:00 UK Time on 11.04.2026. Click for T&Cs. gambleaware.orgBet365 Winnings Boost Offer
Bet365’s Winnings Boost promotion allows punters to increase their potential returns on selected horse racing bets without raising their stake. The boost is available on featured races and can be applied directly from the bet slip when eligible.
This is a great value offer for Grand National betting, as it enhances your profits on winning bets, especially on singles and Bet Builders. Availability and boost percentages vary, so it’s worth checking which races are included.
Only available to new and eligible customers. Where applicable to Bet Builders, must include 3+ selections and combined odds of 1/1 or greater. Bet restrictions and T&Cs apply.Where Can You Watch Grand National Festival 2026 Live?
If you are unable to get Aintree racecourse tickets, ITV will be showing most of the action from the Grand National Festival 2026 live, with coverage available on ITV1 and ITVX across all three days. They will broadcast all but the final race on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
For full race-by-race coverage, including the final race each day, Racing TV is another option, although it requires a paid subscription. You can, however, access Racing TV through many bookmakers that offer live streaming on racing. To access a bookmaker’s live stream, you usually only require an active account balance or recent bet to tune in.
Grand National: Are the favourites a safe bet?
On paper, the favourites always look like the safest option. Such Grand National horses usually bring the strongest recent form, the best ratings, and top-level connections. But, of course, the Grand National is never a straightforward race. At a gruelling 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, with a huge field and tricky fences, even the most fancied runners can come unstuck.
The stats back this up. In the last two decades, only five winners have started as favourite or joint-favourite: Comply Or Die (2008), Don’t Push It (2010), Tiger Roll (2019), Corach Rambler (2023), and I Am Maximus (2024). While this is a respectable record in such a competitive race, it still means the favourite, or joint favourite, is far more likely to lose than to secure victory.
What makes the Grand National legendary is its unpredictability. This is a race with a long history of shock results, including 100/1 winner Mon Mome in 2009 and 66/1 outsider Auroras Encore four years later. So, while favourites deserve respect, this is a race where punters should not be afraid to back an outsider, especially when so many bookies offer extra places on enhanced each-way terms.
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