The Grand National Guide & FAQs: More Than A Race

For so many of us in the UK, the Grand National is the one horse race of the year that we’ll take the time to watch. Choosing a horse for the race remains a British tradition, and whilst the big event takes the limelight, the Grand National is so much more than a single race. 

The Grand National has evolved into a three-day festival (The Grand National Festival) that brings together world-class horse racing in one of the biggest social events of the year. Each day (Opening Day, Ladies Day and Randox Grand National Day) offers something different, with seven races (21 in total) showcasing some of the best horses on the planet. 

Whether you’re attending, watching from home, or simply curious about the buzz, this guide explains what makes the Grand National a truly unique event – and how it has evolved into much more than just a race.

What Is the Grand National?

The Grand National is, quite simply, one of the most famous horse races in the world and easily the most popular race in the UK. 

First run in 1839, and held annually at Aintree Racecourse, the race is a long-distance National Hunt horse race (steeplechase) over two laps of the iconic venue. Jockeys will take on 30 fences over the two laps for a true test of stamina for horse and jockey alike. 

The race is known for its unpredictability and dramatic finishes – it’s a war of attrition, with outsiders commonly winning (or at least placing), creating an exciting betting landscape. Held on Saturday at 4:00 PM, the race is free to watch in the UK on ITV1. 

Previous Grand National Winners

There have been nine different winners over the last ten years in the Grand National – most recently with Nick Rockett storming to victory with father and son duo Willier and Patrick Mullins. 

For 2026, Nick Rockett will not be returning to defend his title – he was withdrawn from the entries early Thursday morning. I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner and 2025 runner-up, is the only 2026 entry to have previously won the steeplechase. 

Table: Previous Winners of the Grand National Over the Last 10 Years

Grand National 2026 Festival Schedule 

The Grand National Festival spans three days, from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April, with seven races each day. Every day has its own identity – it’s a full weekend experience as anticipation builds up to the main event. 

 Day 1 – Opening Day - Thursday 9 April 2026

Gates open at 11 AM on Thursday, marking the start of the Grand National Festival. This is the day for real racing fans looking to experience the Grand National without the crowds that arrive on Friday and Saturday.

Thursday is about arriving early, getting familiar with the racecourse, and soaking up the festival atmosphere before the weekend's social energy really kicks in. The full racecard is listed below: 

• 1:45: Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) 

• 2:20: William Hill Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) 

• 2:55: Racing Welfare Bowl Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

• 3:30: Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase 

• 4:05: William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) 

• 4:40: Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) 

• 5:15: Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) (GBB Race) 

Highlights include the William Hill Aintree Hurdle (4:05), featuring “Brighterdaysahead” and “The New Lion” alongside the Racing Welfare Bowl Chase (2:55) with “Jango Baie” and “Impaire Et Passe” running. 

 Day 2 – Ladies Day - Friday 10 April 2026

While there’s still top-level racing on the track, Ladies Day is equally renowned for its outfits – it’s a true social occasion and the festival’s most fashion-focused day. 

Ladies Day is where you’ll find bold hats, dresses, suits, and packed enclosures. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. The full racecard is listed below: 

• 1:45: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) 

• 2:20: William Hill Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) 

• 2:55: ThatPrizeGuy Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) 

• 3:30: JCB Melling Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) 

• 4:05: Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) 

• 4:40: Oddschecker Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) 

• 5:15: Debenhams Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys' And Amateur Riders' Race) (GBB Race)

Highlights include the JCB Melling Chase (3:30), featuring Henry de Bromhead’s “Heart Wood” and the Randox Topham Handicap Chase (4:05) with the Skelton Brothers’ “Madara” holding down the early favourite. 

 Day 3 – Randox Grand National Day - Saturday 11 April 2026

The headline day that both Thursday and Friday build up to it – it’s Randox Grand National Day on the Saturday. 

The crowd, atmosphere, and media attention are all at their peak with millions tuning in for the pinnacle. The 2026 Grand National is scheduled for 4 PM, the second-to-last race of the day. The full racecard is listed below: 

• 12:45: Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) 

• 1:20: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) 

• 1:55: Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) 

• 2:30: William Hill Handicap Chase (Registered As The Freebooter Handicap Chase) (Premier Handicap) (GBB) 

• 3:05: Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

• 4:00: Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) 

• 5:00: Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

The Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (The Grand National) is the obvious one to watch – “I Am Maximus” is the early favourite with “Panic Attack” and “Grangeclare West” making up the top three. 

The Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle (3:05) is also well worth watching – you'll find Gordon Elliott’s “Honesty Policy” and Nicky Henderson’s “Impoise Toi” leading the way. 

What are the Grand National Weights? 

The Grand National is a handicap race, meaning that each horse is assigned a specific weight to carry, based on its ability and form. 

The idea is to provide an equal chance for each horse to win the Grand National, with the strongest horses carrying more weight and the weaker ones carrying less. The confirmed weights for the 2026 Grand National are: 

1. I Am Maximus: 11st 12lbs

2. Banbridge: 11st 11lbs

3. Haiti Couleurs: 11st 10lbs

4. Grangeclare West: 11st 10lbs

5. Gerri Colombe: 11st 10lbs

6. Spillane’s Tower: 11st 8lbs

7. Firefox: 11st 4lbs

8. Spanish Harlem: 11st 3lbs

9. Monty’s Star: 11st 3lbs

10. Lecky Watson: 11st 2lbs

11. Iroko: 11st 1lb

12. Favori De Champdou: 11st 1lb

13. Champ Kiely: 11st 1lb

14. Three Card Brag: 11st

15. Oscars Brother: 10st 13lbs

16. Mr Vango: 10st 12lbs

17. Stellar Story: 10st 11lbs

18. High Class Hero: 10st 11lbs

19. Beauport:10st 11lbs

20. Jagwar : 10st 10lbs

21. Captain Cody: 10st 10lbs

22. The Real Whacker: 10st 9lbs

23. Quai De Bourbon: 10st 9lbs

24. Perceval Legallois: 10st 9lbs

25. Gorgeous Tom: 10st 9lbs

26. Jordans: 10st 8lbs

27. Answer To Kayf: 10st 8lbs

28. Top Of The Bill: 10st 5lbs

29. Panic Attack: 10st 5lbs

30. Marble Stands: 10st 5lbs

31. Final Orders: 10st 5lbs

32. Twig: 10st 5lbs

33. Johnnywho: 10st 4lbs

34. Imperial Saint: 10st 2lbs

35. Deep Cave: 10st 2lbs (Reserve)

36. Buddy One: 10st 2lbs (Reserve)

37. Amirite: 10st 2lbs (Reserve)

38. Ain’t That A Shame: 10st 2lbs (Reserve)

Betting on a handicap race requires accurately predicting which horse can beat its handicap, as shown by the odds for each horse. 

What Should First-Time Visitors Know?

New to the Grand National? It’s useful to plan ahead to enjoy both a full racecard and the overall Aintree experience: 

• Check out the lesser-known races: The Grand National (Saturday at 4:00 PM) may be the headline race, but there are plenty of other quality races throughout the day.

• View the schedule and plan accordingly: Race times matter with officials aiming to set the horses off as close to the schedule as possible. Get a good viewing spot early, before the biggest crowds gather.

• You don’t need to be a racing expert: Most attendees are there for the experience, and few will have done their homework.

• Expect and enjoy the build-up: There are just seven races on each festival day. There’s not constant action, but rather short bursts of adrenaline throughout the day. Soak up the atmosphere and try to enjoy the anticipation.

The Grand National festival is supposed to be fun. Don’t take it too seriously and don’t bet more than you can afford. Play responsibly. 

What Is the Grand National Festival Dress Code?

Fashion is almost as impressive as the racing across Aintree throughout the festival, with personal style an important consideration. 

Ladies' Day in particular is known for style – the event is billed as “a day of glamour, style, and excitement” and “where big hats meet high heels, and the air is filled with the thrill of both the races and the fashion”.

The Festival’s “Style Awards” award prizes for the “Best Dressed”, “Best Suited” and “Best Hat”. Although there isn’t a single, strict dress code across the entire racecourse, not everyone is expected to arrive in formal race-day attire.

For first-time visitors, think smart, stylish, and practical. It’s less about following hard rules and more about dressing for a big social occasion. Fancy dress and team colours/sports kits are not permitted in the grounds. 

Final Thoughts

The Grand National is a popular, much-loved British sporting event, not for the race itself, but for everything that goes into it. 

The three-day build-up, the fashion, the tradition, and the electric Aintree atmosphere make a cocktail that’s hard to beat. Throw in some of the best horse racing of the year, and it’s an incredible event that’s uniquely British. 

You don’t need to be a horse-racing expert to enjoy the Grand National. Whether you’re there for the spectacle, the social side, or simply to see what all the fuss is about, it remains a rare event that feels bigger than sport alone.

FAQ 

 Who is the favourite to win the Grand National? 

The 2024 winner and 2025 runner-up, “I Am Maximus,” is the early favourite to win the 2026 Grand National. 

Willie Mullins’ “Grangeclare West” and the Skelton Brothers’ “Panic Attack” complete the top three. Nick Rockett, last year’s winner, was pulled from the entry list on Thursday morning.  

 Why was Nick Rockett pulled from the 2026 Grand National? 

Nick Rockett was pulled from the 2026 Grand National on Thursday morning following a self-certificate for coughing. Patrick Mullins will instead saddle Grangeclare West as the defending champion jockey. 

 Who is the most successful Grand National Trainer? 

Three trainers have secured 4 Grand National wins since its inception in 1839:

• George Dockeray: Lottery (1839), Jerry (1840), Gaylad (1842) and Miss Mowbray (1852)

• Fred Rimell: E.S.B. (1956), Nicolaus Silver (1961), Gay Trip (1970) and Rag Trade (1976)

• Ginger McCain: Red Rum (1973, 1974, 1977) and Amberleigh House (2004)

 Which horse has won the Grand National the most times?

Red Rum is the most successful Grand National winner, securing the title three times for Ginger McCain (1973, 1974, 1977). 

 Who is the most successful Grand National jockey? 

George Stevens is the most successful Grand National jockey of all time, securing 5 wins over his career with Freetrader (1856), Emblem (1863), Emblematic (1864) and The Colonel (1869 and 1870).