Grand National
The 2026 Grand National will take place at Aintree racecourse on Saturday April 11th, 2026. Read More
Below you will find all the latest Grand National Runners, as well as our best Grand National Tips from our resident tipster RaceOlly and a host of racing tipsters from the horse racing media along with the thoughts of twitter star @RoadCheltenham..
The race will consist of 34 runners once more after the success in 2024 & 2025 - a reduction of six from years gone by as the BHA aims for safety improvements - and there will be plenty of runners with brilliant chances.
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About The Grand National
Arguably the most famous National Hunt horse race on the planet, the prestigious Grand National concludes three thrilling days at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside. The unique National course totals a mammoth trip of four miles, two furlongs, and 110 yards. First run all the way back in 1839, it’s the ultimate test of a racehorse, with a maximum field of 34 runners vying for first place. The new field size of 34 is six down from the 40 allowed in 2023 and in years gone by.
Since 2017, the prize purse has totalled a juicy £1 million — the winner of the 2024 instalment will take home £561,300 of that number, with the rest split between the remaining top 10 finishers. The race has also undergone other changes to increase safety for horses and jockeys alike, including the introduction of a ‘no-go zone’ to prevent runners getting caught in the starting tape, and improvements to the spruce-covered fences along with a reduction in runners.
How are horses selected to run in the Grand National?
When getting into National Hunt racing, owners will dream of winning either a Gold Cup or a Grand National. There would be hundreds of horses entered if the owners could all get their charge in, so how are they selected to run by the BHA? The criteria is as follows:
- A minimum Official Rating of 125
- Must be age 7 or older
- The horse must have not just run in, but completed in three or more steeplechases
- The horse must have had at least one run in the current season.
- Attainment of a finishing position between 1st and 4th in a steeplechase spanning 2 miles 7½ furlongs or more
These criteria effectively narrow down the pool of hopeful entrants considerably.
Are Grand National Winners Automatically Qualified for the next year's race?
No, but it would have to be a rare case were a winner of the Grand National in one season to drop so far down in the weights next season that they are not qualified.
Is there a weight limit for horses in the Grand National?
Yes, there is a weight limit in the Grand National. Horses can carry between 10st and 11st 10 and it is decided which horse will carry which weight by the British handicapper, who allocates each Grand National runner with a mark and gives them the weight that corresponds to that in relation to the field.
10st4 was the bottom weight in 2025.
Who are the top trainers for this year's Grand National runners?
The Grand National is becoming more and more like a regular race, and as such the trainers to watch out for are the biggest names around. Willie Mullins is the reigning champion with NICK ROCKETT and he also had the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 7th home in 2025, but things will always be competitive with Gordon Elliott, Dan Skelton, Gavin Cromwell and more sure to bring big chances to Aintree in 2026.
Which Grand National jockeys should we watch out for?
The top jockey around right now is in most people's opinions Paul Townend, who won the race for the first time in 2024 aboard favourite I Am Maximus. He chose the wrong Mullins horse, however, in 2025 with his Mount I Am Maximus denied by winner and 33/1 poke NICK ROCKETT, with Patrick Mullins onboard for his father.
Recent Winners of the Grand National
The Aintree spectacular hasn't been without drama during its history, and the 1993 renewal was infamously voided due to a false start. However, it’s the potential for an epic upset that’s all part of the excitement. Mon Mome caused a 100/1 shock in 2009, as did Rule The World in 2016 — the 33/1 horse had never won a steeplechase, and 19-year-old jockey David Mullins was riding in his first Grand National.
Tiger Roll is one of the most memorable winners in recent years. The Irish-bred horse took victory in both 2018 and 2019, becoming the first horse to win the Grand National back-to-back since Red Rum in 1974. Heavily favoured to take a third win in 2020, the event was unfortunately cancelled for the first time in its 180-year history in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Most recently, Nick Rockett was a decisive winner of the 2025 renewal. landing the prize for father-son duo Willie and Patrick Mullins as a 33/1 shock.
Grand National Key Trends
- Three of the last 10 winners have been favourite or co favourite.
- Seven of the last 10 winners were trained in Ireland, with the other three being trained in Britain.
- Nine of the last 10 winners were aged nine or below
- Four of the last 10 winners have carried 11st 5lbs or more to victory
- Four of the last 10 winners have been priced 25/1 or bigger
2026 Grand National Tips
We will display our Grand National tips nearer the time...
Grand National Fences
There are some iconic fences jumped during the Grand National and we pick out some of the most famous ones here:
Becher's Brook - 4ft 10in high
The most iconic fence at Aintree racecourse, Becher's Brook is named after Captain Martin Becher, who unseated in the ditch in the first Grand National in 1839. A different test these days with the landing side being raised, Becher's Brook is still a formidable obstacle for horse and rider.
The Chair - 5ft 2in high
The highest fence jumped in the Grand National, The Chair is only jumped once during the race, The fence is named after the chair the distance judge used to sit in to gauge the official distance between the winner and the runners behind.
Foinavon - 4ft 6in high
Named after the 1967 winner, Foinavon, this fence is one of the smaller obstacles on the track, but is iconic due to its history. Outsider Foinavon was the only horse to jump this obstacle en route to glory in the 1967 renewal, as all the other horses either fell or refused to jump.
The Canal Turn - 5ft high
Gaining its name from the nearby Leeds-Liverpool canal and is iconic for its sharp, 90-degree, left-hand turn that the runners have to take as soon as they have jumped the fence.
Valentine's Brook - 5ft high
With a 5ft 6in brook on the landing side, this fence is named after a horse called Valentine was said to have jumped it hind legs first in 1840.
Previous Winners Of The Grand National
| Year | Winner | Winning Jockey | Winning Trainer | Starting Price | AGE | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Nick Rockett | Patrick Mullins | Willie Mullins | 33/1 | 8 | 11-8 |
| 2024 | I Am Maximus | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins | 7/1 Fav | 7 | 11-6 |
| 2023 | Corach Rambler | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell | 8/1 Fav | 9 | 10-5 |
| 2022 | Noble Yeats | Sam Waley-Cohen | Emmet Mullins | 50/1 | 7 | 10-10 |
| 2021 | Minella Times | Rachael Blackmore | Henry De Bromhead | 11/1 | 8 | 10-3 |
| 2020 | NO RACE | |||||
| 2019 | Tiger Roll | Davy Russell | Gordon Elliott | 4/1 Fav | 9 | 11-5 |
| 2018 | Tiger Roll | Davy Russell | Gordon Elliott | 10/1 | 8 | 10-13 |
| 2017 | One For Arthur | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell | 14/1 | 8 | 10-11 |
| 2016 | Rule The World | Danny Mullins | Mouse Morris | 33/1 | 9 | 10-7 |
| 2015 | Many Clouds | Leighton Aspell | Oliver Sherwood | 25/1 | 8 | 11-9 |
| 2014 | Pineau De Re | Leighton Aspell | Dr Richard Newland | 25/1 | 11 | 10-6 |
| 2013 | Auroras Encore | Ryan Mania | Sue Smith | 66/1 | 11 | 10-3 |
Grand National Odds
Hunting for the best Grand National odds? You’re in the right place. With 34 runners duking it out to be first across the line, it’s not always clear which horse to bet on. Here at HorseRacing.net, our handy comparison table makes it easy.
You’ll find prices across a range of top bookmakers, so it’s easy to separate the favourites from the underdogs. For each horse, the best odds are displayed in bold — that’s the bookie where you’ll net the biggest payout if your pick comes good.
Need more information before making a decision? We also have the full racecard, where you’ll find essential stats like horse weight, age, trainer, and historic performance. Once you’ve made your selection, click through to sign up and claim your Grand National betting bonus.
Grand National Racecard
Want to know who’s running or which horse to back? You’ll find the full Grand National racecard right here at HorseRacing.net, powered by the Racing Post.
Our racecards feature vital info like horse age and weight. Sort by odds, RP Rating, Topspeed Rating, or stats like course or distance winner — then, compare prices between Grand National betting sites and click through to place your perfect wager.
Grand National Date
Next year, the Grand National is set to take place on Saturday 11th April, 2026.
The Randox Grand National Festival itself begins on Thursday 9th April with Opening Day, followed by Ladies Day on Friday 10th April. Seven races are scheduled for each day.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Grand National
When is the 2026 Grand National?
The 2026 Grand National will take place at Aintree racecourse on Saturday 11th April, 2026.
Where can I bet on the Grand National?
At Horseracing.net we have odds for the 2026 Grand National. We'll have odds comparison grids set up for the Aintree marathon as soon as our trusted betting sites partners have priced up the race ante-post and on the day of the race you can also find Grand National Odds on our dedicated odds page.
We work with tried and tested betting sites to give our users the best possible experience when betting on the Grand National. Many of the bookmakers will have sign up offers and Grand National Free Bets so keep your eyes peeled on the site before and during April.
Are there any trials for the Grand National?
There is a tried and tested route to the National, and we will be featuring all the main contenders right here on the way to Liverpool.
In terms of trials, there are two main races in the UK which serve that defined purpose - the Becher Chase at Aintree in early December, and the Grand National Trial at Haydock every February. Other races to note include the Welsh National at Chepstow, the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster and the Eider Chase at Newcastle. Over in Ireland, the Bobbyjo Chase tends to be a target for National runners.
Where can you watch the Grand National?
ITV Racing are the host broadcaster but all of the bookmakers featured on Horseracing.net offer users the facility to watch a race if they have had a bet on it if you can't get in front of a television. Details of bookmakers are below:
- Bet365
- Paddy Power
- Betfair
- Betway
- William Hill
- Betfred
- BetVictor
- Boylesports
- BetMGM
How many fences are jumped during the Grand National
Thirty fences are jumped in total during the Grand National with a number of them having specific names. The most famous of the lot is Becher's Brook, who has somewhat mellowed in recent decades, but is still a formidable obstacle, while the likes of The Chair, The Canal Turn, Foinavon and Valentine's Brook are other notable obstacles jumped during the race.
Where can I find the Grand National odds?
You’ll find the latest Grand National odds right here at HorseRacing.net, along with a range of fantastic Grand National free bets and bonuses. Browse our selected bookmakers, and once you’ve found your perfect site, simply click through to sign up.
What are the best betting sites to place your Grand National bets?
There’s no objective answer — it depends on your needs and preferences. Many of our recommended Grand National betting sites offer features like live streaming, in-play and early cash out, and fast withdrawals. If you’re simply looking for the best odds, browse our comparison table for the latest prices.
Can I get Grand National Free Bets?
Yes. In fact, the Grand National is one of the best horse racing events for picking up free bets and bonuses. You’ll find a range of offers on this page, along with a comprehensive selection on our Grand National Free Bets page.
Where can I find Grand National tips?
We’ve got a fantastic in-depth guide to Grand National tips right here at HorseRacing.net.
Which racecourse hosts the Grand National?
The Grand National is held at Aintree Racecourse, located a few miles north of Liverpool.
Where can I watch the Grand National?
Grand National live television coverage will be on ITV and Racing TV. You can also stream the race at several bookmakers, including bet365, BetVictor, and Betfred.
What date is the Grand National on?
The 2026 Grand National will be held on Saturday 11th April at 4:00pm.
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