Grand National 2026: Date, Time, Runners, Favourites & Full Schedule
With the Cheltenham Festival done and dusted, attention now shifts to the biggest race in British horse racing, the Grand National 2026.
Also known as Aintree National or Aintree Festival, it is one of the most prestigious races in the sport. It takes place every year at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool.
The race has a history of nearly 190 years and continues to attract both casual fans and serious enthusiasts. Over 150,000 racegoers are expected across the 3-day Randox Grand National Festival.
Arguably the world’s most famous, challenging and valuable jump race, it features 34 horses tackling 30 iconic fences over 4 miles 2½ furlongs.
Defending champion Nick Rockett returns this year. Meanwhile, 2024 winner I Am Maximus will start as the favourite once again.
Grand National 2026: Date, Time & Race Details
- Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Time: 4:00 PM BST
- Location: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
The Grand National is run over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, making it one of the longest races in the calendar.
A maximum of 34 horses will compete. The race includes 30 fences – 16 on the first lap and 14 on the second.
Famous obstacles like Becher’s Brook and The Chair remain key challenges. Over the years, changes have been made to make fences safer.
The fastest time in Grand National history is held by Mr Frisk at 8 minutes 47.8 seconds. Most winners usually finish around 9 minutes 10 seconds.
Grand National 2026 – Full Schedule
Day 1 – Opening Day (Thursday, April 9)
- 13:45: Boodles Juvenile Hurdle
- 14:20: Manifesto Novices’ Chase
- 14:55: Aintree Bowl
- 15:30: Foxhunters’ Chase
- 16:05: Aintree Hurdle
- 16:40: Red Rum Chase
- 17:15: Mares’ NH Flat Race
Day 2 – Ladies Day (Friday, April 10)
- 13:45: William Hill Handicap Hurdle
- 14:20: Mildmay Novices’ Chase
- 14:55: Top Novices’ Hurdle
- 15:30: Melling Chase
- 16:05: Topham Chase
- 16:40: Sefton Novices’ Hurdle
- 17:15: Debenhams Hurdle
Day 3 – Grand National Day (Saturday, April 11)
- 12:45: Maghull Chase
- 13:20: William Hill Hurdle
- 13:55: Mersey Novices’ Hurdle
- 14:30: William Hill Handicap Chase
- 15:05: Liverpool Hurdle
- 16:00: Grand National
- 17:00: Weatherbys NH Flat Race
A total of 55 horses have been entered, with the final 34 runners to be confirmed on April 8, 72 hours before the race.
Grand National 2026 Favourites
The spotlight is once again on I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins. The 10-year-old will carry top weight of 11st 12lb for the second straight year.
He followed up 2024’s Grand National win with an impressive second place finish in 2025. His second place in December’s Savills Chase suggests his best days aren’t necessarily behind him. Make your prediction here.
However, history is against him. No horse aged 10 or older has won since 2014, and no horse has won carrying top weight since Red Rum in 1974.
Other key contenders:
- Grangeclare West – Finished just three lengths behind Nick Rockett last year. Won the Bobbyjo Chase in February despite a jumping error.
- Jagwar – Jagwar is one the hot favourites for the Grand National mainly due to his exploits at Cheltenham. Shows promise but stamina over this long trip remains a question.
- Iroko – Finished fourth last year after coming from the back early. Strong earlier form but struggled in the Ultima finishing 10th.
- Haiti Couleurs – Could become the first Welsh-trained winner since 1905 (Kirkland).
- Johnnywho – Won the Ultima at Cheltenham after a wind operation. A strong comeback story.
- Nick Rockett – Last year’s winner but carries more weight this time and may not be at peak fitness.
Grand National 2026 Prize Money
The total prize fund stands at £1 million.
- 1st: £500,000
- 2nd: £200,000
- 3rd: £100,000
- 4th: £65,000
- 5th: £40,000
- 6th: £30,000
- 7th: £20,000
- 8th: £15,000
- 9th: £10,000
- 10th: £5,000
Owners usually receive around 80% of the prize money, with the rest shared among trainers, jockeys and staff.
Recent Winners
- 2025: Nick Rockett (33/1) – Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Patrick Mullins
- 2024: I Am Maximus (7/1) – Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Paul Townend
- 2023: Corach Rambler (8/1) – Trainer: Lucinda Russell
- 2022: Noble Yeats (50/1) – Trainer: Emmet Mullins
- 2021: Minella Times (11/1) – Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
The race has been officially run since 1839, when Lottery won the first edition. Click here to make your predictions on the festival.