What time does Grand National 2026 start? Field, results, weather forecast, latest tips and odds today

Grand National 2026 - (Getty Images)

The pinnacle of the National Hunt racing season is upon us, with the Grand National taking place today at Aintree.

Only three weeks on from the Cheltenham Festival comes another highlight of the British sporting calendar as Liverpool plays host to the world’s most famous steeplechase.

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The three-day meeting is headlined by the feature race, which will include 2024 winner I Am Maximus.

Last year’s winner Nick Rockett looked set to attempt to become the first back-to-back winner since Tiger Roll in 2019, but was declared as a non-runner on Thursday morning due to coughing, leading to a promotion for first reserve, Gordon Elliott's Pied Piper.

The action at Aintree began on Thursday, followed by Ladies’ Day on Friday and then the showpiece comes today at 4pm.

Here’s everything you need to know...

When is the Grand National 2026?

The 2026 Grand National meeting runs from Thursday, April 9, to Saturday, April 11, with the Grand National steeplechase taking place at 4pm BST on the third day.

A new, earlier time for the feature race of the meeting was introduced in 2024, bringing the race forward by 75 minutes, and remains in place for the 2026 edition.

As ever, the famous Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool will host the race.

Nick Rockett won last year’s race (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

How to watch the Grand National 2026?

TV channel: In the UK, the Grand National meeting is being shown live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 12.45pm BST, today, Saturday.

ITV will broadcast every race bar the final of the day, with subscription channel Racing TV the only place to watch all the action across the three days.

Coverage of the National itself is from 3:15pm BST with the race getting underway at 4pm.

Live stream: The race will also be available to watch live and for free online via the ITVX app and website.

Live blog: You can follow every race live from Grand National Day at Aintree with Standard Sport’s live blog.

Grand National 2026 weather forecast

The UK has been blessed with sunshine of late, but there is expected to be showers across all three days of the meeting.

Hitting a high of just 12C, expect overcast conditions with occasional sun at Aintree.

Grand National 2026 prize money

The total prize fund for the race is £1 million, the highest amount of money that any race over obstacles is contested for, and it breaks down as follows:

• Winner – £500,000
• Second place – £200,000
• Third place – £100,000
• Fourth place – £65,000
• Fifth place – £40,000
• Sixth place – £30,000
• Seventh place – £20,000
• Eight place – £ 15,000
• Ninth place – £10,000
• Tenth place – £5000

Aintree hosts the three-day meeting (Getty Images)

Grand National 2026 latest odds

• Panic Attack 7/1
• Grangeclare West: 8/1
• Jaguar: 8/1
• I Am Maximus: 17/2
• Jonnywho: 11/1
• Montys Star: 12/1
• Oscars Brother: 12/1
• Iroko: 14/1
• Captain Cody: 16/1
• Haiti Couleurs: 20/1
• Gorgeous Tom: 20/1
• Champ Kiely: 25/1
• Perceval Legallois: 25/1
• Jordans: 25/1
• Final Orders: 25/1
• Gerri Colombe: 28/1
• Stellar Story: 28/1
• Quai De Bourbon: 28/1
• Banbridge: 33/1
• Favori De Champdou: 35/1
• Firefox: 40/1
• Spanish Harlem: 40/1
• Lecky Watson: 40/1
• Beauport: 40/1
• Twig: 40/1
• Imperial Saint: 40/1
• High Class Hero: 50/1
• Top Of The Bill: 50/1
• Three Card Brag: 66/1
• Marble Sands: 66/1
• Mr Vango: 66/1
• The Real Whacker: 66/1
• Answer To Kayf: 100/1
• Amirite: 100/1

(Odds via Betfair, subject to change.)

Saturday, April 11 racecard

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

1. Mirabad
2. Salvator Mundi
3. Be Aware

13:20: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)

1. Wade Out
2. Eagle Fang
3. Chart Topper

13:55: Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

1. Bossman Jack
2. Soldier Reeves
3. Ballyfad

14:30: William Hill Handicap Chase (Freebooter) (Premier Handicap)

1. Mr Hope Street
2. Lookaway
3. Konfusion

15:05: Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1)

1. Home By The Lee
2. Take No Chances
3. Honesty Policy

16:00: Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

17:00: Weatherbys Nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat (Grade 2)

Thursday, April 9 results

13:45: Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)

1. Mange Tout
2. Selma De Vary
3. Indian River

14:20: William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

1. Koktail Divin
2. Blueking D'oroux
3. Mambonumberfive

14:55: Racing Welfare Bowl Chase (Grade 1)

1. Jango Baie
2. Protektorat
3. Pic D'Orhy

15:30: Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase

1. Barton Snow
2. Lets Go Champ
3. Take All

16:05: William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)

1. Brighterdaysahead
2. The New Lion
3. Alexei

16:40: Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

1. Ryan's Rocket
2. Highlands Legacy
3. Sans Bruit

17:15: Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2)

1. Nan's Choice
2. Lennon Grove
3. Fairy Park

Friday, April 10 results

13:45: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)

1. Wellington Arch
2. Ike Sport
3. Favour And Fortune

14:20: William Hill Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

1. Gold Dancer
2. Regent's Stroll
3. Salver

14:55: Thatprizeguy Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

1. Storming George
2. Sinnatra
3. Baron Noir

15:30: Jcb Melling Chase (Grade 1)

1. Grey Dawning
2. Solness
3. Heart Wood

16:05: Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

1. Will The Wise
2. Ile Atlantique
3. Madara

16:40: Oddschecker Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

1. Zeus Power
2. Catchintsavo
3. Johnny's Jury

17:15: Debenhams Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys & Amateur Riders)

1. Laafi
2. Melon
3. Harry Lowes

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