Grand National 2026 Tips, Trends & Latest Odds
The 2026 Randox Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday 11th April 2026 with the off-time scheduled for 4:00pm, and it headlines the three-day Grand National Festival (Thursday 9th – Saturday 11th April).
Run over 4 miles, 2½ furlongs and featuring 30 fences, the Grand National is a unique stamina-and-jumping test with a maximum field size of 34 runners.
For live price comparison and the best available bookmakers, head to our Grand National odds page. For daily racing selections beyond Aintree, visit Horse Racing Tips.
Tips for Picking the Grand National Winner
While no set of trends can guarantee success in a race as demanding as the National, there are repeat patterns in the profiles of recent winners that can help narrow the field and focus your betting.
Strategy: Casual Selection vs. Strategic Betting
Casual Selection: Picking a horse based on name, colours or a hunch can be fun, but it’s less likely to deliver consistent results.
Strategic Betting: A more structured approach considers form, weight, age, chase experience, seasonal fitness and proven stamina.
Recent Winner Trends (Quick Checklist)
Season fitness: Many recent winners had at least three runs that season.
Chase experience: A solid base of chase starts is usually a plus.
Age profile: Plenty of winners fit the 7–9 bracket.
Ratings band: Winners often sit within a relatively tight handicap range.
Grand National 2026: Top Five in the Betting
I Am Maximus (15/2)
2024 winner and 2025 runner-up behind stablemate Nick Rockett. The ten-year-old outran odds of 50/1 to finish 2nd in the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown this season before finishing 5th in the Irish Gold Cup behind Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior. He is technically rated 1lb higher than last year but arrives in arguably better form. It will be interesting to see if Paul Townend maintains the partnership this year.
Grangeclare West (10/1)
Grade 1 winning novice chaser in 2023 who finished 3rd beaten only 3 lengths in this race last season behind stablemates Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus. Despite his odds of 33/1 last year, he looked the most likely winner prior to a bad mistake at the final fence. He beat Gerri Colombe by 5½ lengths in the Bobbyjo Chase last time under Paul Townend and it will be interesting to see if he chooses to ride him over I Am Maximus.
Jagwar (10/1)
Progressive seven-year-old who has form figures of 11311322 over fences. 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. That was his first start over further than 3 miles but he stayed on well at the finish. His jumping has often been a weakness at crucial points during his races and that could be the difference between him winning the race and running well.
Iroko (12/1)
Eight-year-old who has placed on all three of his starts at Aintree including two Grade 1s and this race last season. He was 4th beaten 7½ lengths by Nick Rockett when sent off favourite for this race last season off a mark of 152 and he runs here off a 5lb higher mark. He needs to bounce back from a slightly disappointing run at the Cheltenham Festival last time behind stablemate Johnnywho.
Panic Attack (14/1)
Progressive mare who had her first four starts over fences since joining Dan Skelton, including the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. She finished 3rd behind Dinoblue in the Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and will be better suited by this stamina test.
How To Watch The Grand National 2026
In the UK, the Grand National is shown live on ITV Racing and Racing TV, with streaming available via their platforms.
Grand National 2026 FAQs
When is the Grand National 2026?
The 2026 Grand National takes place on Saturday 11th April 2026 (scheduled 4:00pm).
Where is the Grand National held?
The Grand National is held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England.
Where can I find the latest odds and tips?
Compare bookmakers and prices on our Grand National odds page, and explore daily picks on Horse Racing Tips.
