The Ultimate Guide To The Grand National 2026: Everything You Need To Know
The Grand National is not just a horse race—it's a cultural phenomenon that captures the imagination of millions across the United Kingdom and beyond. As we look ahead to the 2026 edition of this legendary steeplechase, excitement is already building among racing enthusiasts, casual bettors, and sports fans alike. This comprehensive guide brings together everything you need to know about the Grand National 2026, from the confirmed runners and latest odds to the best betting offers and practical travel information for those planning to attend the event at Aintree Racecourse.
When is the Grand National 2026?
The Grand National 2026 takes place on Saturday, 11th April, with a scheduled start time of 5:15 PM. This prestigious event is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England, just outside Liverpool. The race traditionally occurs on either the first or second Saturday in April, marking it as a highlight of the British sporting calendar and the culmination of the three-day Grand National Festival.
Grand National 2026: Runners, Favourites and Odds
The 2026 renewal promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with an impressive field of talented horses and jockeys vying for glory. According to Paddy Power News' preview of the 2026 renewal, the depth of quality in the Grand National has been increasing year on year, and that has been reflected in the results, with the best horses increasingly shrugging off burdens of weight to claim victory.
Trainer Willie Mullins has emerged as a dominant force in recent years, and his presence looms large over the 2026 edition. Mullins has 15 horses on the initial entry list, including the 2024 winner I Am Maximus and the reigning champion, making him the trainer to watch as the race approaches. The combination of top-class Irish-trained horses and British contenders creates a fascinating mix of styles and strategies that will unfold over the famous Aintree fences.
The betting markets are already heating up, with Bet365 offering competitive odds on all the leading contenders. As the weights are announced and the final field is confirmed, expect to see significant movement in the prices. The Grand National is unique in that it attracts both serious racing punters and casual bettors who might only place a wager once a year, creating a diverse and dynamic betting market.
Aintree Racecourse: The Stage for Greatness
The Grand National is run at Aintree Racecourse, on Merseyside, England, a venue that has hosted this iconic race since 1839. The course itself is a true test of horse and jockey, featuring 30 challenging fences over a distance of four miles and two and a half furlongs—the longest of any race in British horse racing.
The most famous obstacles include Becher's Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn, each presenting unique challenges that have tested the world's best jumpers for generations. The combination of distance, height of fences, and the often unpredictable Merseyside weather makes the Grand National a true test of stamina, jumping ability, and racing intelligence.
Betting on the Grand National: Tips and Strategies
Everything you need to bet on the Grand National, including news, guides, tips & more, is readily available as the race approaches. The Grand National is the most famous horse race in the world and is hugely popular with punters from across the UK and further afield, with an estimated £300 million wagered on the race each year.
When considering your bets, it's worth noting that recent trends have shown a preference for well-handicapped horses with proven stamina and jumping ability. The increasing quality of the field means that simply picking a horse with a nice name or lucky number is no longer a viable strategy for those serious about finding value in the markets.
Look for horses that have performed well in long-distance chases, particularly those that have tackled similar fences to those found at Aintree. Recent winners have often come from the top weight band but have shown the class to overcome their handicaps. Additionally, consider the jockey bookings carefully—experience in big-field races and familiarity with Aintree can be crucial factors.
Travel Information: Getting to Aintree for the Grand National
For those planning to attend the Grand National in person, arranging your ground transport to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and onward travel to Aintree doesn't have to be a hassle. Here are the best options for traveling from Heathrow to London—along with how long they take and other pros and cons—so that you can start your trip off on the right foot.
The most convenient options include:
- Heathrow Express: The fastest way to central London, taking just 15 minutes to Paddington Station, from where you can connect to Liverpool via train.
- London Underground (Piccadilly Line): A more economical option that takes around 50 minutes to reach central London.
- Pre-booked airport transfers: Services like Bolt offer reliable transportation from Heathrow to your accommodation in London.
Once in London, you can continue your journey to Liverpool using Virgin Trains or other rail services, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Using Ride-Hailing Services in London
Open the Bolt app, choose a pickup location, and get a ride to and from the selected airport. While Uber is more widely used, ultimately it doesn't matter—the same drivers have Uber, Bolt and FreeNow apps on their phones, so there's no difference in the actual service provided.
However, it's worth noting that navigating London's complex road system can sometimes be challenging for drivers. As one user reported, "Bolt took me to the drop off 3 times as the guy couldn't get to the hotel very well and kept going the wrong way. I admit it is a bit confusing there with loads of one way systems."
To avoid such issues, consider these tips when using ride-hailing services in London:
- Be specific with your pickup location: Use landmarks or hotel names rather than just street addresses.
- Check the driver's route: London's one-way systems can be confusing, so don't hesitate to suggest alternatives if you know the area.
- Consider traffic conditions: Central London can be extremely congested, especially during peak hours.
Getting Around London During Grand National Weekend
Here's your guide to getting around London during the Grand National weekend. See what Bolt services are available in London and learn about things to do in London while you're in the capital for racing's biggest event.
London's public transport system is extensive and efficient, with the Underground (Tube), buses, and overground trains connecting all parts of the city. If you're attending the Grand National and spending time in London either before or after the race, consider purchasing an Oyster card or using contactless payment for the most cost-effective travel.
Popular attractions during Grand National weekend include:
- The British Museum
- Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- West End theatre shows
- Traditional British pubs for pre-race celebrations
Final Thoughts on the Grand National 2026
As we count down to the Grand National 2026, the excitement continues to build for what promises to be another thrilling edition of the world's greatest steeplechase. With top-class horses like those trained by Willie Mullins aiming to add their names to the illustrious list of winners, and with the unique challenges that Aintree presents, this year's race is shaping up to be unmissable.
Whether you're planning to attend in person, watching from a local pub, or following the action from abroad, the Grand National remains a truly special sporting occasion. The combination of sporting excellence, betting excitement, and social occasion makes it unique in the global sporting calendar.
Remember to check the latest Grand National 2026 betting odds from Bet365 and other major bookmakers as the race approaches, and consider all the factors—from horse form and trainer statistics to ground conditions and jockey bookings—when making your selections. With the right preparation and a bit of luck, you could be celebrating a big win when the horses thunder down the famous run-in at Aintree on Saturday, 11th April 2026.
