The Randox Grand National is the most famous steeplechase in the world and the centrepiece of a three-day festival at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. The 2026 edition takes place from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April, with the Grand National itself scheduled for 4:00pm BST on the final day. Up to 40 horses will tackle 30 fences over a gruelling four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs, competing for one of the most coveted prizes in horse racing.
What is the Grand National?
The Grand National is a handicap steeplechase that has been run at Aintree since 1839, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the sport. It is the single most watched horse race on the planet, attracting a global television audience of around 600 million viewers each year, and is widely regarded as the ultimate test of horse and jockey over fences.
The race is run over the famous National Course, a unique circuit distinct from Aintree’s standard track. Horses complete two laps, jumping 30 fences in total. Sixteen obstacles are built on the course, 14 of which are jumped twice, while The Chair and the Water Jump are cleared only on the first circuit. The distance of approximately four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs (around 6.9 kilometres) makes it one of the longest National Hunt races in Britain.
The fences are constructed from spruce brought down from the Lake District and woven into a flexible plastic birch frame. They range in height from 4ft 6in to 5ft 2in, with The Chair being the tallest and most imposing. Other famous obstacles include Becher’s Brook, with its steep drop on the landing side, the Canal Turn, where runners must change direction sharply after jumping, and Valentine’s Brook, which demands precision and bravery in equal measure.
Grand National 2026 Schedule
The Randox Grand National Festival runs over three days, each offering a full card of top-class National Hunt racing:
Thursday 9 April (Opening Day): Gates open at 11:00am. The festival begins with several high-quality supporting races, including the William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase. A strong card sets the tone for the days ahead.
Friday 10 April (Ladies Day): Gates open at 10:30am. Traditionally the most glamorous day of the festival, Ladies Day features the JCB Melling Steeple Chase and the Randox Topham Handicap Steeple Chase, run over the Grand National fences.
Saturday 11 April (Grand National Day): Gates open at 10:00am. The main event, the Randox Grand National Handicap Steeplechase, goes off at 4:00pm BST. A full supporting card keeps the action flowing throughout the afternoon before the big race.
How the Grand National Works
The Grand National is a handicap race, meaning each horse carries a different weight based on its official rating. The aim is to level the playing field so that, in theory, every runner has an equal chance of winning. Weights are allocated by the British Horseracing Authority handicapper, with the top-rated horse carrying the most and lower-rated horses given a weight advantage.
A maximum of 40 horses can enter the final declarations, though only 34 will line up at the start, with six reserves. The final field is confirmed on the Wednesday before the race, 72 hours ahead of the off. Horses must meet eligibility criteria including age (at least seven years old), a minimum rating, and having completed certain qualifying runs over fences.
The race is started by flag, with runners lining up across the wide Aintree course. It is a test of stamina, jumping ability, and luck. Completion rates vary from year to year, with the demanding fences and distance ensuring that only the toughest competitors make it to the finish.
Key Contenders for 2026
The 2026 Grand National features a compelling mix of proven Aintree performers and exciting newcomers. Two former winners head the betting, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the race.
I Am Maximus is the market leader at 8/1 for trainer Willie Mullins. The 10-year-old won the 2024 Grand National in impressive fashion and finished second to Nick Rockett in 2025. His Aintree record is outstanding, and with Mullins seeking to add to his remarkable strike rate in the race, I Am Maximus represents the clear form pick.
Grangeclare West, also trained by Willie Mullins, is second favourite at 10/1. He finished third in the 2025 Grand National and boosted his credentials with victory in the Bobbyjo Chase. At 10 years old, he is at the right age for the race and has the stamina to handle the unique demands of the National course.
Jagwar, trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, is a fascinating contender at 11/1. At just seven years old, he has youth on his side and has been progressive throughout the season. His stable companion Iroko (12/1) is another strong hope from the same yard, giving the relatively small training operation a powerful hand.
Nick Rockett, the 2025 winner, returns at 20/1 seeking to become the first horse to win back-to-back Grand Nationals since Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019. He made a successful reappearance at Down Royal earlier in the season, finishing third, and his proven ability to handle Aintree’s fences makes him a live contender once more.
How to Watch the Grand National
The Grand National is one of the most widely broadcast horse races in the world, with coverage available across multiple regions:
United Kingdom: ITV holds the terrestrial broadcasting rights for the entire three-day festival. The Grand National on Saturday is shown live on ITV1 from the early afternoon, with the big race at 4:00pm BST. All races are also available to stream free on ITVX. Racing TV provides additional in-depth coverage for subscribers throughout the festival.
Ireland: Virgin Media and Racing TV carry live coverage. The race is also available through Irish bookmaker streaming services for account holders.
United States: NBC Sports typically broadcasts the Grand National. Racing TV International is also available as a streaming subscription at £29.99 per month for viewers who want comprehensive coverage.
Australia: Sky Racing carries the Grand National live. The race usually starts at 1:00am AEST on the Sunday morning due to the time difference.
Rest of World: Racing TV International offers global streaming access via subscription. Many online bookmakers also provide live streams to customers with funded accounts.
Past Winners
Recent Grand National winners reflect the depth and unpredictability of the race:
2025: Nick Rockett
2024: I Am Maximus
2023: Corach Rambler
2022: Noble Yeats
2021: Minella Times
2020: No race (cancelled due to COVID-19)
2019: Tiger Roll
2018: Tiger Roll
2017: One For Arthur
2016: Rule The World
History and Records
The Grand National was first run in 1839, when it was known as the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase. A horse called Lottery won that inaugural running in front of an estimated 50,000 spectators, establishing the race as a major public sporting occasion from the very start. It has been held at Aintree every year since, with interruptions only for the two World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Red Rum is the most celebrated horse in Grand National history, winning the race three times (1973, 1974, and 1977) and finishing second twice. His remarkable story, trained on the sands of Southport beach by Ginger McCain, remains one of racing’s most enduring tales. Tiger Roll became the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back Nationals when he triumphed in 2018 and 2019.
George Stevens holds the record for the most jockey wins with five, the last coming in 1870. In the modern era, no jockey has won more than twice. The race has also produced its share of controversy and drama, from the infamous void race of 1993, when a false start was not recalled and no official result was declared, to the emotional victory of Aldaniti and Bob Champion in 1981, just months after Champion had recovered from cancer treatment.
Aintree Racecourse itself has a capacity of approximately 75,000 and the Grand National meeting regularly attracts over 150,000 spectators across the three days. The race’s unique atmosphere, combining serious racing with a broader cultural event, makes it unlike any other fixture in the sporting calendar.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the Grand National Festival are available through The Jockey Club, which manages Aintree Racecourse. Demand is consistently high and many enclosures sell out well in advance, particularly for Ladies Day and Grand National Day.
Thursday (Opening Day): The most affordable day, with Festival Zone tickets from £37 and the Earl of Derby Terrace from £59.
Friday (Ladies Day): Festival Zone tickets from £58, though most premium enclosures are sold out. Limited availability remains in select areas.
Saturday (Grand National Day): The Embankment offers the most affordable remaining option at £49. Festival Zone tickets are £90, with Queen Mother Seats at £262. Hospitality packages start from £460.
Car parking is available from £25 to £35 depending on the day. VIP hospitality packages, including access to the Legends Lounge by the Parade Ring with complimentary drinks, start from £225 on Ladies Day and £294 on Grand National Day. Tickets can be purchased at thejockeyclub.co.uk.
Aintree is well served by public transport. Aintree railway station is a short walk from the racecourse, with regular services from Liverpool city centre. National Express operates coach services direct to the venue on all three days of the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Grand National 2026?
The Grand National takes place on Saturday 11 April 2026 at 4:00pm BST. The wider festival runs from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool.
How can I watch the Grand National?
In the UK, the race is shown live and free on ITV1 and can be streamed on ITVX. In the US, NBC Sports provides coverage. Racing TV International offers a subscription streaming service available worldwide.
How many horses run in the Grand National?
A maximum of 40 horses can be entered, but the field is limited to 34 runners plus six reserves. The final declarations are made on the Wednesday before the race.
How long is the Grand National course?
The race is run over approximately four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs (around 6.9 kilometres), with 30 fences to jump over two laps of the National Course.
Who won the Grand National last year?
Nick Rockett won the 2025 Grand National, holding off the challenge of 2024 winner I Am Maximus, who finished second. Both horses return for the 2026 race.