The Grand National is the world’s most famous horse race — and it’s almost certainly the one day of the year when more people in Britain have a flutter than any other. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or putting on your very first bet, this guide will give you everything you need to make an informed choice for the 2026 Grand National at Aintree on Saturday 11th April.

From understanding the unique challenges of the course to picking out potential winners, we’ve got you covered.

When Is the 2026 Grand National?

The Grand National Festival runs from Wednesday 9th to Saturday 11th April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. The big race itself — the Randox Grand National — is the feature race on Saturday afternoon, traditionally going off at 4:00pm.

The three-day festival also features top-class supporting races including the Aintree Hurdle, the Melling Chase, the Topham Chase (run over the National fences), and the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle.

Understanding the Grand National Course

The Grand National is unlike any other race in the world. Here’s what makes it so unique:

  • Distance: 4 miles, 2 furlongs and 74 yards — by far the longest race in the calendar
  • Fences: 30 fences in total (16 on the first circuit, 14 on the second)
  • Field size: Up to 40 runners — the largest field of any race in Britain
  • Famous obstacles: Becher’s Brook (with its steep drop landing), The Chair (the tallest and narrowest fence), Canal Turn (a sharp 90-degree turn after the fence), and Valentine’s Brook

The course demands a very specific type of horse: one with exceptional stamina, safe jumping ability, and the temperament to handle the huge field and unique fences. It’s not always the classiest horse that wins — it’s the one that stays on its feet and keeps galloping.

Types of Bets for the Grand National

With 40 runners and huge betting interest, the Grand National offers some brilliant betting opportunities:

Win

Simply pick the horse you think will cross the line first. Straightforward, but with 40 runners, it’s tough!

Each-Way

This is the most popular Grand National bet. Your horse needs to finish in the first four places (some bookmakers pay 5 or even 6 places as a special offer). The place part pays at 1/4 or 1/5 of the win odds. With so many runners, each-way value is often exceptional.

Each-Way Extra Places

Many bookmakers offer enhanced place terms for the National — paying out on the first 6, 7, or even 8 places. These offers are well worth taking advantage of, as they effectively give you more chances of a return.

Forecast & Tricast

Predict the first two (forecast) or first three (tricast) home in the correct order. The payouts are enormous given the size of the field.

Place Betting Without

Some bookmakers offer “without the favourite” markets, where the most fancied horses are removed. This can offer better value on your selection.

How to Pick a Grand National Winner

Over the years, clear patterns have emerged about what it takes to win the Grand National. Here are the key stats and trends to consider:

Age

The ideal age for a Grand National winner is 8 to 10 years old. Horses younger than 8 often lack the experience for the unique fences, while those over 11 may struggle with the gruelling distance. The sweet spot is a horse with enough mileage to be a seasoned chaser but still with the energy to last four miles.

Weight

Horses carrying less than 11st have a significantly better record than top weights. The stamina-sapping distance magnifies every extra pound. In recent years, the winner has typically carried between 10st 4lb and 11st 0lb.

Recent Form

Winners almost always come into the race in good form. Look for horses that have won or placed in their last 2-3 starts. A horse that couldn’t beat lesser opponents over shorter trips is unlikely to suddenly come alive over the National fences.

Stamina Credentials

This is non-negotiable. Your horse must have proven it can stay at least 3 miles over fences. Ideally, look for horses that have won over 3 miles or further, and that have experience of big-field, long-distance handicap chases.

Jumping Ability

Sound jumping is essential. A horse that regularly makes mistakes or has a history of falling is a risky bet over 30 of the most demanding fences in racing. Check the form figures for F (fell), U (unseated), or R (refused) — too many of these are a red flag.

Previous National Experience

Horses that have completed the course before have a notable advantage. They know the fences, the terrain, and what to expect. Second or third-time runners frequently improve on their debut effort.

Here are some of the most reliable Grand National trends based on decades of data:

  • Handicap mark: Winners typically have an official rating between 140 and 155
  • Odds range: Winners at odds between 10/1 and 33/1 have been most common in recent years — genuine outsiders can and do win
  • Trainers: Certain trainers have outstanding Grand National records. Look out for yards with multiple entries who consistently target this race
  • Course experience: Horses that have run at Aintree before (even over the Mildmay course) have a better understanding of the unique track
  • Going: The Grand National is typically run on Good to Soft ground. Horses with proven form on that going have an edge
  • Winning distances: The race is usually close — winners often prevail by just a few lengths, so any of the leading contenders have a realistic chance

The Grand National Festival — Day by Day

Day 1 — Thursday 9th April

The opening day features the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle and the Bowl Chase. A great day for punting with competitive races and slightly less public attention — ideal for finding value.

Day 2 — Friday 10th April

Ladies Day, with the Melling Chase and Aintree Hurdle as the feature races. This is top-class racing just below Championship level — fast, exciting, and often informative for Saturday.

Day 3 — Saturday 11th April

Grand National Day. The Topham Chase over the National fences is a key trial earlier on the card, then the big one at 4:00pm. The atmosphere is electric, with over 70,000 expected at the course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Backing the favourite blindly: The Grand National favourite has a poor strike rate. With 40 runners and 30 fences, anything can happen. Do your research.
  • Ignoring the weight: A horse might be the classiest in the race on ratings, but if it’s carrying 11st 10lb, the distance and fences make life very tough.
  • Picking on name alone: We all know someone who picks their National horse based on the name. It’s fun — but this guide gives you a better approach!
  • Forgetting each-way: With 40 runners and most bookmakers paying 4+ places, each-way betting offers far better value than a straight win bet in this race.
  • Staking too much: The Grand National should be fun. Set a budget, stick to it, and enjoy the race. The best bet is one you can afford to lose.

Betting Responsibly

The Grand National is a brilliant occasion — make sure you enjoy it responsibly:

  • Set a budget before the day and stick to it
  • Use deposit limits on your betting accounts
  • Remember: there’s no such thing as a certainty, especially in the National
  • If betting stops being fun, stop betting

Help is available if you need it:

Ready to Back Your Grand National Pick?

Armed with this guide, you’re in a much stronger position than most of the estimated 10 million people who’ll have a flutter on the National this year. Remember the key ingredients: stamina, jumping ability, a reasonable weight, good recent form, and ideally previous Aintree experience.

For detailed runner analysis and expert tips as the race approaches, head to our Grand National tips and previews page for the latest articles from our team.

Good luck — and may your horse clear all 30!