National Hunt · 9–11 April 2026 · Aintree

Randox Grand National 2026 — Card, Our Tips, Best Odds & Free Bets

Festival complete. Catch up on the headline races and bookmark for next year.

The world's most-watched horse race. 34 runners, 30 fences, 4 miles 2½ furlongs on the famous Aintree circuit, broadcast to 600 million viewers across 140+ countries. The three-day Grand National Meeting also stages the Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1), Bowl Chase (Grade 1) and Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1). The Grand National itself (Saturday) is the biggest betting race of the year.

£1m
Grand National prize fund
600M
Global TV audience
34
Maximum runners
Since 1839
Aintree heritage

Headline Races at Grand National

The Group 1 / Grade 1 races that define the meeting. Day labels match the official festival schedule.

Thu 9 Apr
Aintree Hurdle Grade 1 · 2m 4f
Springtime hurdle championship — often won by Cheltenham types stepping out of their grade.
Racecourse guide →
Thu 9 Apr
Aintree Bowl Chase Grade 1 · 3m 1f
Gold Cup re-match for staying chasers.
Racecourse guide →
Fri 10 Apr
Topham Chase Grade 3 · 2m 5f
Handicap chase over the Grand National fences — a popular speculative bet.
Racecourse guide →
Sat 11 Apr
Liverpool Hurdle Grade 1 · 3m ½f
Long-distance hurdle championship.
Racecourse guide →
Sat 11 Apr
Randox Grand National Grade 3 H'cap · 4m 2½f
The big one. 34 runners, 30 fences, £1m prize fund. 2026 winner: I Am Maximus.
Racecourse guide →

Why Bet Grand National?

  • Extra Places paid down to 6th or 7th across all major UK bookmakers on Grand National day
  • Non-runner money back if your selection is withdrawn before the off
  • Money-back specials if your horse falls — Betfred and bet365 lead the field here
  • Tote Pools alongside fixed odds — the Grand National hosts the biggest tote pool of the year
  • Welcome bonuses still stack on top — many punters open new accounts for National week

Best Free Bets for Grand National

Grand National week is the biggest betting event of the year. The bookmakers below are running enhanced free bets, extra places (paid down to 6th or 7th on the Saturday), and money-back specials on fallers — all verified with full T&Cs.

bet365
Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
Code: 365GMBLR
Get Bonus →
T&Cs: 18+, GambleAware.org. New bet365 customers only. Min deposit £10. Free Bets paid as Bet Credits, available upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Fitzdares
Bet £50, Get £25 in Free Bets
Get Bonus →
T&Cs: 18+, GambleAware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Place £50 bet on any sport at odds of Evens (2.0)+ to qualify for three free bets on settlement: £10 Football, £10 Golf, £5 Virtual Sports, plus 10 Free Spins on Reel King. Free Bet & Spins expire 7 days. Additional T&Cs apply.
Betfred
Bet £10, Get £50 in Bonuses
Get Bonus →
T&Cs: 18+, GambleAware.org. New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3× £10 Sports Free Bets + 2× £10 Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply.
William Hill
Bet £10, Get £60 in Bonuses
Get Bonus →
T&Cs: 18+, GambleAware.org. New UK customers only. Min deposit £10. Promotional offers subject to change. Wagering and time limits apply. Full T&Cs apply.

Compare all 11 UK horse racing bookmakers →

The Venue: Aintree

The home of the Grand National — the world's most famous jumps race, watched by an estimated 600 million viewers in 140+ countries. Four miles 2½ furlongs, 30 fences, 34 runners and a £1 million prize fund (£500k to the winner). The three-day Aintree Grand National Meeting also stages the Aintree Hurdle, Bowl Chase and Liverpool Hurdle.

Full Aintree racecourse guide →