Grand National 2026: Everything You Need to Know About Aintree's Premier Event
The Grand National, the most prestigious event in the horse racing calendar, is set to make its highly anticipated return to Aintree Racecourse in April 2026. This iconic festival of jump racing promises three days of thrilling action, culminating in the world-famous £1 million Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase.
Date, Time and Venue for the 2026 Grand National
The main event, the Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase, will take place on Saturday, 11 April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse. The race is scheduled to start at 4:00 PM British Summer Time (BST). The festival itself spans three days, beginning on Thursday 9 April with Opening Day, followed by Ladies Day on Friday 10 April, and concluding with Grand National Day on the Saturday.
How to Watch the Grand National 2026
Television coverage of the entire Aintree Festival will be provided by ITV Racing on ITV1. The broadcaster will deliver comprehensive live coverage of all the key races across the three-day event, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the action from the comfort of their homes.
Key Contenders and Latest Odds
All eyes will be on the rematch between last year's winner, Nick Rockett, and the 2024 champion, I Am Maximus. Nick Rockett, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins and ridden to victory by his son Patrick Mullins last year as a 33/1 shot, will aim to defend his title. Meanwhile, I Am Maximus, who gave jockey Paul Townend "one of his greatest days in the saddle" with his 2024 win, returns with a strong chance of securing two victories in three years.
Jockey Paul Townend, fresh from Gold Cup success at Cheltenham with Gaelic Warrior, faces a difficult decision. He has not partnered with I Am Maximus in his three subsequent races but remains a potential rider for the £1 million feature. Townend has indicated he must take sentiment out of the equation, noting there is little to choose between I Am Maximus and another Mullins-trained entry, Grangeclare West.
The current favourites according to the latest odds are:
- I Am Maximus: 6/1
- Jagwar: 9/1
- Grangeclare West: 10/1
- Johnnywho: 10/1
- Iroko: 12/1
- Oscar’s Brother: 16/1
Runners and Riders: The Provisional Field
The final field for the Grand National will be limited to 34 horses, with official declarations made closer to the race. However, a provisional list of 55 entries has been announced. The top contenders include:
- I Am Maximus (FR), age 10, weight 11-12, trainer Willie Mullins IRE
- Nick Rockett (IRE), age 9, weight 11-11, trainer Willie Mullins IRE
- Banbridge (IRE), age 10, weight 11-11, trainer Joseph O'Brien IRE
- Grangeclare West (IRE), age 10, weight 11-10, trainer Willie Mullins IRE
- Gerri Colombe (FR), age 10, weight 11-10, trainer Gordon Elliott IRE
Other notable entries from top trainers like Gordon Elliott, Henry de Bromhead, and Venetia Williams ensure a highly competitive and unpredictable race. The full list showcases the international flavour of the event, with French and Irish-bred horses well represented.
Aintree Festival Racing Schedule and Times
The three-day festival offers a packed schedule of Grade 1 and premier handicap races. Thursday 9 April - Opening Day features seven races starting at 1:45pm, including The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase (3:30pm). Friday 10 April - Ladies Day also has seven races from 1:45pm, highlighted by The JCB Melling Steeple Chase (3:30pm).
Saturday 11 April - Grand National Day is the pinnacle, with six races leading up to the main event:
- 12:45pm: The Maghull Novices' Steeple Chase
- 1:20pm: The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race
- 1:55pm: The Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Race
- 2:30pm: The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase
- 3:05pm: The Liverpool Hurdle Race
- 4:00pm: THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE
- 5:00pm: The Weatherbys NH Stallions Flat Race
With defending champion Nick Rockett seeking to emulate the emotional victory of 2025 and former winner I Am Maximus aiming for redemption, the 2026 Grand National is poised to be a historic and unmissable spectacle at Aintree.
