Grand National 2026: Your Complete Ticket and Schedule Guide
The Grand National 2026, the most prestigious event in the horse racing calendar, is rapidly approaching, with tickets still available for this iconic sporting spectacle. As the Cheltenham Festival concludes, racing enthusiasts are turning their attention to Liverpool's Aintree Racecourse, which will host three days of thrilling races, fine dining, and celebratory events from April 9 to 11.
Ticket Prices and Purchasing Options
Multiple retailers are offering a diverse range of ticket options for the 2026 Randox Grand National Festival. General admission packages are available through official outlets like The Jockey Club, with entry to the Festival Zone starting from just £33.50 per person. This affordable option includes access to views of the Parade Ring and Winners' Enclosure, live music, entertainment, and various food and drink vendors, plus vantage points for the final stages of each race.
For those seeking enhanced viewing experiences, the Embankment tickets are priced at £44.10 and provide excellent views of the initial fences. The Earl of Derby Terrace, costing £59, overlooks the Parade Ring, Winners' Enclosure, and the course itself. Spectators preferring to be closer to the action can opt for the Earl of Derby Lower Seats at £104, which offer a designated seat in an open-air section near the track.
Premium hospitality packages elevate the experience significantly. The Princess Royal Seats and Gallery, priced at £140, position guests near the Finishing Post with access to the Parade Ring, Winners' Enclosure, the Red Rum Garden, and a lounge featuring a full bar, though beverages are not included in the ticket price.
Exclusive VIP and Hospitality Packages
Hospitality packages featuring complimentary dining across various restaurants at Aintree begin at £385 for a seat in the Many Clouds restaurant. This climbs to £799 for a premium experience in the Papillon Restaurant, located in the Earl of Derby grandstand. Such tickets typically grant access to private balconies with course views, Parade Ring viewing balconies, champagne receptions, and four-course lunches.
Seat Unique offers numerous comparable VIP and hospitality packages for Opening Day and Ladies Day, with prices starting from £249 per person for entry to the Earl of Derby Terrace. The McCoys package includes an outdoor dining experience with a chef, a complimentary McCoy's cocktail, and casual seating for meals. Entry to the elegant Golden Miller Restaurant is priced at £499, allowing attendees to savour the races from a private balcony or the Earl of Derby grandstand, complete with a four-course meal, free bar, traditional cream tea, and a complimentary racecard. Note that tables here are communal, accommodating 10 or 12 guests.
Resale Platforms and Timing Strategies
A limited number of tickets are available on resale platforms like Stubhub, where sellers can offload their tickets to other fans. Currently, prices on these platforms are above face value, but savvy buyers may find opportunities to secure cheaper tickets as prices potentially drop closer to the event date.
Grand National 2026 Schedule and Key Details
The Grand National 2026 spans three days from Thursday, April 9, to Saturday, April 11. Gates open at 11am on Thursday, 10.30am on Friday, and 10am on Saturday. The eagerly-awaited Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase, the main event, kicks off at 4pm on Saturday.
Full Race Schedule – Dates and Times
Day 1: Opening Day – Thursday, April 9
- 1.45pm – The Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 2.20pm – The William Hill Manifesto Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 2.55pm – The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1) (GBB Race)
- 3.30pm – The Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Steeple Chase (Class 2)
- 4.05pm – The William Hill Aintree Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 4.40pm – The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1, Prem Handicap)
- 5.15pm – The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 1, Grade 2)
Day 2: Ladies Day – Friday, April 10
- 1.45pm – The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 1, Premier Handicap)
- 2.20pm – The William Hill Mildmay Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 2.55pm – The Top Novices' Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 3.30pm – The JCB Melling Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 4.05pm – The Randox Topham Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1, Premier Handicap)
- 4.40pm – The Oddschecker Sefton Novices' Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 5.15pm – The Debenhams Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 2, Conditional Jockeys/Amateur Riders)
Day 3: Grand National Day – Saturday, April 11
- 12.45pm – The Hallgarten and Nobum Wines Maghull Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 1.20pm – The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 1, Premier Handicap)
- 1.55pm – The Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 2.30pm – The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1, Premier Handicap)
- 3.05pm – The Liverpool Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 4.00pm – The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1, Premier Handicap)
- 5.00pm – The Weatherbys NHStallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 1, Grade 2)
With the Grand National 2026 now less than a month away, securing tickets promptly is advisable to ensure you don't miss out on this legendary sporting event. Whether opting for budget-friendly general admission or luxurious hospitality packages, there are options to suit every preference and budget.
