Grand National 2026 LIVE: Dates, start times, runners, odds and how to follow iconic Aintree race

Cheltenham Festival has been and gone, but punters can get start to get excited for the Grand National.

Nick Rockett finished first last year to hand legendary trainer Willie Mullins a second consecutive win in the iconic steeplechase.

Getty

The world’s biggest race returns to the Merseyside racecourse in just a matter of weeks, with 69 horses already entered.

This will be whittled down to 34 runners once the final declarations have been made on April 8.

Fans will be beginning their preparations for three days of high class horse racing action at the 2026 Grand National.

All the information you need for this year’s edition can be read below.

Grand National 2026: Dates and how to follow

The 2026 edition will run from April 9 to April 11, starting with Opening Day on the Thursday.

Ladies Day follows on the Friday before the festivities conclude with Grand National day on the Saturday.

The Grand National Handicap Chase is set to get underway at the usual time of 4pm.

talkSPORT will bring you all the latest news and updates of the action at Aintree on our radio and website.

You can also watch the races on ITV Racing and RacingTV.

Below are the full races and times for this year’s event:

AFP

Opening Day – Gates open at 11am

• The Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle – 1:45pm
• The William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Steeplechase – 2:20pm
• The Aintree Bowl Steeplechase – 2:55pm
• The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeplechase – 3:30pm
• The William Hill Aintree Hurdle – 4:05pm
• The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeplechase – 4:40pm
• The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat – 5:15pm

Ladies Day – Gates open at 10:30am

• The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (3m 1f) – 1:45pm
• The William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Steeplechase – 2:20pm
• The Top Novices’ Hurdle – 2:55pm
• The JCB Melling Steeplechase – 3:30pm
• The Randox Topham Handicap Steeplechase – 4:05pm
• The Oddschecker Sefton Novices’ Hurdle – 4:40pm
• The Debenhams Handicap Hurdle – 5:15pm

Randox Grand National Day – Gates open at 10am

• The Hallgarten and Novum Wines Maghull Novices’ Steeplechase – 12:45pm
• The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (3m 1/2f) – 1:20pm
• The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle – 1:55pm
• The William Hill Handicap Steeplechase – 2:30pm
• The Liverpool Hurdle – 3:05pm
• The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeplechase – 4pm
• The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat – 5pm

Getty

Grand National 2026: Runners

As mentioned, the full field 34-horse field of runners will not be confirmed until three days before the race.

March 24 will bring the second scratchings deadline, with the final confirmations coming on April 6 before the final declarations.

Nick Rockett with jockey Patrick Mullins won last year as a 33/1 outsiders.

I Am Maximus and Paul Townend and Grangeclare West with Brian Hayes came second and third, respectively.

Of the 34 runners last year, 16 finished the 4 mile, 514 yard race with 18 either falling or being pulled up.

Grand National 2026: talkSPORT BET odds

Make sure to stay tuned to our website for all of the latest odds and tips ahead of this year’s Grand National.

talkSPORT BET Betting Offer – Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets! – CLAIM HERE*

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

*18+ New Customers. Opt in, deposit and bet £10+ on any horse racing markets within 7 days of sign up. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets for set horse racing markets. Bonuses expire in 30 days. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.org. Please gamble responsibly.