The 2026 Grand National is today - here is everything you need to know.
The 2026 Grand National gets underway today with 34 horses going to post to race over the gruelling 30 Aintree fences competing for the massive £500,000 first place prize.
I Am Maximus returns as one of the betting favourites as the 2024 winner and 2025 runner-up behind stablemate Nick Rockett goes in search of Willie Mullins fourth Grand National win with Paul Townend in the saddle.
The market seems to be favouring two other horses however with Panic Attack (8/1) and Jagwar (17/2) overtaking I Am Maximus in the betting this morning.
Panic Attack looks to end the 75 year wait for a mare to win the Grand National and looks to have a great chance having finished third in the Mares Chase at Cheltenham Festival in March, won the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November and Coral Gold Cup at Newbury.
Jagwar looks the most progressive of the bunch. He won the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival last season and was only beaten ½ length by Johnnywho in the Ultima Handicap Chase this year off a mark of 152. He should have the stamina to compete too.
If you’re eyeing up a bet in the Grand National todaay, make sure you get the most out of your stakes and check out the Grand National free bets available through oddschecker.
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Grand National 2026 Odds
| Horse | Best Odds |
|---|---|
| Panic Attack | 8/1 |
| Jagwar | 17/2 |
| I Am Maximus | 9/1 |
| Grangeclare West | 9/1 |
| Johnnywho | 12/1 |
| Montys Star | 14/1 |
| Oscars Brother | 18/1 |
| Iroko | 18/1 |
| Captain Cody | 20/1 |
| Gorgeous Tom | 22/1 |
Last updated on 11/04/2026 at 11:30.
Who is the Grand National 2026 favourite to win?
Panic Attack heads into the 2026 Grand National as the favourite at 8/1 with Unibet after some marekt support this morning.
The Dan Skelton‑trained mare has put together one of the most impressive seasons in the field, winning both the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Coral Gold Cup, and finishing a solid third in the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham. She carries just 10st 5lb, which could be an advantage over the closing stages. Panic Attack has a genuine chance to become the first mare since 1951 to win the Grand National
Jagwar arrives at Aintree as the progressive horse in the field, improving with every run and shaping like a natural marathon performer. He is a 17/2 chance with Virgin Bet.
His relentless galloping style and accurate jumping make him a serious threat, especially if the ground stays on the softer side of Good to Soft. Jagwar has the ideal Grand National profile: unexposed at extreme distances but showing all the signs of a horse ready to take the next step. He’s a huge danger if he continues his upward curve.
I Am Maximus is near the top of the 2026 Grand National betting and brings the strongest profile into the race. He is a 9/1 chance with BetMGM.
A previous National winner and last year’s runner‑up, he has already proven he stays the trip, handles the fences and thrives in big‑field marathons. Carrying top weight is a huge ask, but his class edge is undeniable, and his form this season suggests he remains at the peak of his powers. If he gets into a rhythm early, he is the horse they all have to beat
Grangeclare West heads into the 2026 Grand National as one of the standout Irish contenders, trading around 9/1 (William Hill). A strong third in last year’s renewal, he was beaten just three lengths despite a costly mistake at the final fence, and returns to Aintree 3lb higher but looking an even more complete horse.
His commanding victory in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse further strengthened his claims, as he outstayed top-class rival Gerri Colombe on testing ground to underline his credentials over extreme distances. That performance confirmed he remains a high-quality staying chaser with the toughness required for the National.
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What time is the 2026 Grand National at Aintree?
The 2026 Randox Grand National is scheduled to start at 4:00pm (BST) on Saturday, 11 April 2026 at Aintree.
That’s the penultimate race on the Day 3 card, with the whole afternoon building toward the big one.
2026 Grand National Betting
| Rank (Most Staked) | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grangeclare West | 9/1 |
| 2 | Johnnywho | 12/1 |
| 3 | Montys Star | 14/1 |
| 4 | Jagwar | 17/2 |
| 5 | Panic Attack | 8/1 |
| 6 | I Am Maximus | 9/1 |
| 7 | Oscars Brother | 18/1 |
| 8 | Final Orders | 28/1 |
| 9 | Iroko | 18/1 |
The table above shows the horses with most staked via oddschecker in the Grand National today.
Grangeclare West is dominating the betting with punters taking the 9/1 while Johnnywho and Montys Star and are the second and third most backed.
The value bet seems to be Final Orders at 28/1.
Proven stamina over long distances, ground which should suit and form this season having won two Cross Country Chases this season including when defeating Favori De Champdou by 2 ¼ lengths, makes him an interesting choice.
