The Biggest Betting Race of the Year
The Grand National is the single most bet-on horse race in the world. Over £300 million is wagered on this one race each year, and on Saturday 11th April 2026, up to 40 runners will line up at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool for the most famous steeplechase on the planet.
Whether you're a seasoned racing fan or someone who only has a flutter once a year, the Grand National brings everyone together. Office sweepstakes, family debates, and first-time punters picking a horse by name are all part of the tradition. This guide covers everything you need: the festival schedule, what makes the race unique, how to spot a contender, and the best free bet offers for 2026.
The Aintree Festival: Three Days of Top-Class Racing
The Grand National isn't a standalone race. It's the centrepiece of a three-day meeting at Aintree Racecourse, with quality racing on every card.
| Day | Date | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 9th April 2026 | Aintree Hurdle, Manifesto Novices' Chase |
| Friday | 10th April 2026 | Melling Chase, Topham Chase (over the Grand National fences) |
| Saturday | 11th April 2026 | The Grand National |
The Topham Chase on Friday is well worth watching. It's run over the same famous fences as the Grand National but at a shorter distance, and it often gives clues about which horses handle the unique obstacles well.
Saturday is the main event. The entire meeting builds towards the Grand National, which goes off in the mid-afternoon and holds the attention of the entire country.
Understanding the Grand National
Why It's Unlike Any Other Race
The Grand National is not a normal horse race. It's a test of stamina, jumping ability, courage, and luck with no equivalent anywhere in the world.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | Approximately 4 miles 2.5 furlongs |
| Fences | 30 (16 unique fences, 14 jumped twice) |
| Field size | Up to 40 runners (the largest in UK racing) |
| Course | Two full circuits of the National course |
| Typical duration | Around 9 to 10 minutes |
The fences themselves are legendary. Becher's Brook, with its steep drop on the landing side, is the most famous jump in racing. The Chair, the tallest and widest fence on the course, stands at 5 feet 2 inches with a 6-foot ditch in front of it. Canal Turn requires horses to make a sharp 90-degree left turn immediately after jumping, demanding agility as well as boldness.
Safety Improvements
In recent years, Aintree has made significant modifications to improve horse and jockey safety. Fences have been reshaped with more forgiving cores, the ground is carefully managed with artificial watering when needed, and the field size and qualification criteria are strictly controlled. These changes have made a real difference, and the race continues to evolve to improve welfare standards.
Why It's So Hard to Predict
The Grand National is famously unpredictable. With up to 40 runners, the sheer size of the field means that even strong contenders can be brought down, hampered, or boxed in. The extreme distance tests stamina to the limit, and horses that have never raced this far before can find the final half mile gruelling.
This unpredictability is exactly what makes it such an exciting betting race. Long-priced winners are the norm, not the exception.
What to Look for in a Grand National Contender
With the field not confirmed until closer to race day, it's more useful to understand the profile of a typical Grand National winner than to focus on specific names this far out.
The Ideal Grand National Horse
| Factor | What Winners Tend to Have |
|---|---|
| Age | Between 8 and 11 years old |
| Weight | Horses carrying lower weights (10 stone to 10 stone 12) have a statistical edge |
| Stamina | Proven form over 3 miles or further |
| Jumping | Clean, accurate jumper who doesn't make mistakes at speed |
| Ground | Ability to handle soft or good-to-soft ground (the most common going at Aintree in April) |
| Experience | Previous experience over the National fences is a plus (Topham Chase, Becher Chase) |
| Class | Good enough to be competitive but not necessarily top-class (this is a handicap, not a championship race) |
Historical Trends Worth Knowing
Trainers to watch: Certain yards have an excellent Grand National record. Lucinda Russell, Gordon Elliott, and Nigel Twiston-Davies have all won the race in recent years. Irish-trained runners have been strong contenders, continuing the trend we highlighted in our Cheltenham Festival 2026 guide.
The favourite rarely wins. In the Grand National, favourites have a poor strike rate compared to most other races. The last 20 renewals have produced a string of double-figure-priced winners. This is a race where value can be found at bigger odds.
Previous course experience matters. Horses that have run well over the National fences before, whether in the Grand National itself, the Topham Chase, or the Becher Chase at Aintree's November meeting, tend to jump more fluently.
Weight is important. History shows that runners at the lower end of the handicap have won more often than the top weights. Only a handful of horses carrying 11 stone 10 or more have won in the modern era.
Betting Tips for Grand National Beginners
If you've never bet on the Grand National before, or if it's your one bet of the year, here's how to approach it sensibly.
Each-Way Betting Is Essential
In a race with up to 40 runners, backing a horse to win only is a tall order. Each-way betting is far more practical. An each-way bet is two bets in one: a win bet and a place bet. If your horse wins, both parts pay out. If it finishes in the places (typically the first four), you receive a fraction of the win odds, usually a quarter.
Many bookmakers extend their place terms for the Grand National, paying out on five or even six places. This makes each-way betting even more attractive and is well worth shopping around for.
Embrace the Big Prices
The Grand National regularly produces winners at 20/1, 33/1, and beyond. There have been 100/1 winners in the race's history. Backing a short-priced favourite in a 40-runner handicap is rarely good value. Look further down the market for horses that fit the winner's profile.
Ante-Post vs Day-of Betting
Ante-post bets are placed weeks in advance. The advantage is bigger odds. The downside is that if your horse doesn't run (due to injury, unsuitable ground, or failing to make the final field), you lose your stake.
Day-of betting means you know your horse is definitely running, but the odds will be shorter. For casual punters, waiting until the final declarations are made is often the sensible choice.
Understanding the Weights
The Grand National is a handicap, meaning each horse carries a weight based on their official rating. Better horses carry more weight; lower-rated horses carry less. The handicapper's job is to give every horse a theoretical chance of winning.
In practice, a horse rated 160 carrying 11 stone 12 is not necessarily a better bet than one rated 140 carrying 10 stone 7. The lower-weighted horse has less to carry over 30 fences and 4+ miles, which is a genuine advantage.
How the Going Affects the Race
The "going" describes ground conditions, from firm (fast) to heavy (deep, waterlogged). Aintree in April typically rides good to soft or soft. Horses that handle an ease in the ground are preferable. Check the going report on the morning of the race; it can genuinely change your selections.
Grand National Betting Glossary
If you're new to racing, some of the terminology can be confusing. Here's a quick reference:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Each-way | A bet in two parts: one on the horse to win, one on it to place (typically top 4-6) |
| Ante-post | A bet placed before the day of the race, at bigger odds but with the risk of a non-runner |
| The going | Ground conditions on the day (firm, good, soft, heavy) |
| Handicap | A race where horses carry different weights based on their official ratings |
| SP (Starting Price) | The official odds at the time the race begins |
| Non-runner | A horse that was entered but does not run on the day |
| Pulled up | A horse stopped during the race by the jockey, usually due to tiredness |
| Sweepstake | An office or social pool where names are drawn randomly and each person gets a horse |
| Place terms | The number of finishing positions that count for the place part of an each-way bet |
Best Grand National Betting Offers 2026
The Grand National is one of the biggest promotional periods for bookmakers. Most major operators offer enhanced free bets and extra place terms specifically for the race. Here are the current welcome offers for new customers:
| Bookmaker | Welcome Offer | Key Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Paddy Power | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets | 90-day validity |
| Betfair | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets | New customers only |
| Coral | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets | New customers only |
| bet365 | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | New customers only |
| William Hill | Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets | New customers only |
Important: All offers are for new customers only and subject to terms and conditions. Always read the full T&Cs before signing up. Wagering requirements, minimum odds, and time limits apply. Offers may change before race day, so check the bookmaker's site directly for the latest details.
Top tip: Sign up and verify your account in advance. Don't leave it until Saturday afternoon when you'll be rushing and might miss a qualifying step.
Gambling Responsibly on Grand National Day
The Grand National is one of the most exciting sporting events of the year, but it's essential to approach it as entertainment, not an investment. The vast majority of punters will not turn a profit, and that's perfectly fine if you've set a sensible budget.
Set a budget before the day. Decide how much you're comfortable spending and treat that as the cost of your entertainment. Whether it's £5 or £50, set the number in advance and don't go over it.
Don't chase losses. If your selections in the earlier races don't come in, resist the temptation to increase your stake on the big race. Chasing losses is the fastest way to turn a fun afternoon into a stressful one.
The Grand National is unpredictable by nature. With 40 runners and 30 fences, even experts regularly get it wrong. That unpredictability is what makes the race so thrilling.
Know when to stop. If betting stops being fun, it's time to step away. For advice and support, visit GambleAwareor read our responsible gambling guide. Our bankroll management strategy also has practical tips for keeping your betting under control throughout the year.
If You're More of a Slots or Casino Player
If you've landed here because you fancy a flutter on the National but your main interest is online casinos, we've got you covered. Check out our top-rated casinos for full reviews of the best UK casino sites, or browse our slot site reviews for the best places to play online slots. Many of the bookmakers offering Grand National free bets also have casino products with separate welcome bonuses worth claiming.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Grand National 2026?
The Grand National takes place on Saturday 11th April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. The wider Aintree Festival runs from Thursday 9th April to Saturday 11th April.
What time does the Grand National start?
The exact race time is confirmed closer to the event, but the Grand National traditionally goes off in the mid-to-late afternoon, usually around 17:15.
How many horses run in the Grand National?
Up to 40 horses can line up, making it the largest field in UK horse racing. There are also reserve runners in case of withdrawals before the race.
What does each-way mean for the Grand National?
An each-way bet gives you two chances: you win if your horse finishes first, and you get a return if it places. Most bookmakers pay out on the first four places at a quarter of the win odds. Some extend this to five or six places as a Grand National promotional offer.
Can beginners bet on the Grand National?
Absolutely. The Grand National is the most popular race for once-a-year punters. You can place a bet online in minutes with any licensed UK bookmaker. Start with a small each-way bet at an amount you're comfortable with, and enjoy the race.
Where can I watch the Grand National?
The Grand National is broadcast live on ITV in the UK, with full coverage of the day's racing available free to air. You can also watch via ITV Hub online.
Is the Grand National safe for horses?
Aintree has made extensive safety improvements in recent years, including modifications to the fences, careful management of the ground conditions, and stricter qualification criteria for runners. You can read more about the ongoing welfare measures at grandnational.org.uk.
