Grand National 2026 FAQs - Everything You Need to Know
The 2026 Grand National is set to take place on April 11th at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, known globally for its exciting jumps. The race will start at 4:00 pm BST, covering about 4 miles with 30 fences. Notable contenders include Nick Rockett and Iroko, part of the 34 possible runners. Winning this race comes with a hefty prize, with over £500,000 for the victor out of a £1 million pot. The event is highly anticipated, with live broadcasts available on ITV and streaming platforms, promising thrilling spectacle.
- The 2026 Grand National will occur at Aintree Racecourse on April 11th
- The race is broadcast live on ITV and available for streaming
- The Grand National track spans approximately 4 miles 2 furlongs and 30 fences
What date is the 2026 Grand National?
The 2026 Grand National will take place on Saturday, 11 April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse.
Where is the Grand National held?
The Grand National is held every year at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is the most famous jumps race in the world and attracts millions of viewers.
What time is the 2026 Grand National?
The official start time for the 2026 Grand National is expected to be around 4:00pm BST, although race times can sometimes change slightly closer to the day.
How long is the Grand National race?
The Grand National is run over approximately 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, making it one of the longest races in British horse racing.
How many fences are in the Grand National?
There are 30 fences to jump during the race, including famous obstacles such as Becher’s Brook, The Chair and Canal Turn.
Who won the Grand National?
In 2025, Nick Rockett won the Grand National for trainer Willie Mullins, and was ridden by his son, Patrick Mullins.
Which horses will run in the Grand National?
Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West are back for more in 2026, after fighting out the finish last year. Local trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero will be represented by both Iroko and Jagwar. Owner JP McManus could also be represented by Oscars Brother, Johnnywho and Spillane's Tower. Haiti Couleyrs, Panic Attack, Monty's Star and Stellar Story will also line up at Aintree.
How many horses run in the Grand National?
The Grand National can have a maximum field of 34 runners.
Who will win the 2026 Grand National?
You can find free tips for the 2026 Grand National, and selections for the other races at Aintree on our website.
Which TV channel will show the 2026 Grand National?
The race will be shown live on ITV in the UK, with streaming available on ITVX. Racing TV will also provide full coverage across the entire Aintree Festival.
Can I watch the Grand National online?
Yes. Fans can watch the race live on ITVX, Racing TV and bookmaker apps that offer live streaming to eligible customers.
How much prize money is on offer?
The Grand National usually has a total prize fund of around £1 million, with the winner receiving more than £500,000.
What weight does the top horse carry?
The highest-rated horse in the race carries top weight of 11 stone, 12 pounds. The lowest-rated runners will carry somewhere between 10-5 and 10-00, depending on their rating.
What age are Grand National horses?
Horses must be at least seven years old to compete in the Grand National. Horses as old as 13 and 14 have run in this famous handicap.
Why is the Grand National so popular?
The Grand National is famous because of its history, huge field of runners, unique fences and the fact that even casual fans often place a bet on the race.
When are the Grand National runners announced?
The final list of runners is usually confirmed around 48 hours before the race.
What other big races take place on Grand National day?
Other major races on Grand National day often include the Liverpool Hurdle, the Maghull Novices’ Chase and several competitive handicaps at Aintree.
When was the Grand National first run?
The Grand National is one of the most historic races in National Hunt race, and was first run at Aintree in 1836.
Who is the most famous Grand National winner?
The most famous Grand National winner is undoubtedly Red Rum, who won the race three times in 1973, 1974 and 1977. No other horse has matched that record, which is why Red Rum is widely regarded as the greatest Grand National horse of all time.
Other modern favourites include Tiger Roll, who won back-to-back renewals in 2018 and 2019, and Aldaniti, whose emotional 1981 victory alongside jockey Bob Champion became one of racing’s most famous stories.
There are also several legendary older winners who remain famous today. Golden Miller won in 1934 and is still the only horse to win both the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same year.
Manifesto became one of the race’s early stars after winning twice in the late 1800s, while L'Escargot is remembered for his rivalry with Red Rum after defeating him in the 1975 Grand National.
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
27 May 2026
- Daily Tips on May 27th -
- Horse Racing
28 May 2026
- 2026 Brigadier Gerard Stakes -
- Horse Racing
30 May 2026
- 2026 Lester Piggott Stakes -
- Horse Racing
Load More
