Aintree Festival 2026Complete Betting Guide
Three days of the finest National Hunt racing in the world — culminating in the Grand National on Saturday 11 April. The Aintree Festival is much more than just the National: Grade 1 action on every card, iconic fences used across multiple races, and some of the best betting opportunities of the jump season. Here's your complete guide to the 2026 Aintree Festival.
The Aintree Festival — More Than Just the Grand National
The Aintree Grand National Festival is a three-day meeting that is consistently ranked among the top five jump racing events in the world. While the Grand National on Saturday is the headline event, the festival card across all three days features exceptional racing — with Grade 1 action on every day and the unique spectacle of multiple races over the famous National fences.
Thursday's programme introduces racegoers to the Aintree course with the JLT Melling Chase (Grade 1, 2m4f) — a championship race for the best staying chasers. Friday brings Ladies Day and the Topham Chase — a handicap run over the Grand National fences that provides essential intelligence on which horses handle the unique obstacles. The Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) on Friday attracts top hurdlers aiming to prove themselves at Aintree ahead of potential Grand National entries in future years.
💡 Betting Insight: Use Friday's Racing as National Intelligence
The Topham Chase on Friday is run over the Grand National fences. Any horse that jumps and handles the course fluently on Friday — particularly those that win or finish close up — should be noted if they also have Grand National entries. The unique spruce fences at Aintree suit certain jumping styles and horses that clearly relish the obstacles have an edge in the National.
Thursday 9 April — Day 1 Race Card
| Time | Race | Grade | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:45 | Manifesto Novices' ChaseG1 | Grade 1 | 2m4f |
| 14:25 | Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m½f |
| 15:05 | JLT Melling ChaseG1 | Grade 1 | 2m4f |
| 15:45 | Mersey Novices' Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m4f |
| 16:25 | Maghull Novices' Chase | Grade 1 | 2m |
| 17:05 | Red Rum Handicap Chase | Grade 3 | 2m |
| 17:40 | Liverpool Hurdle | Grade 2 | 3m |
Friday 10 April — Ladies Day
| Time | Race | Grade | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:45 | Sefton Novices' Hurdle | Grade 1 | 3m½f |
| 14:25 | Aintree HurdleG1 | Grade 1 | 2m4f |
| 15:05 | Randox Topham ChaseG3 NF | Grade 3 | 2m5f (National fences) |
| 15:45 | Handicap Chase | Grade 3 | 3m1f |
| 16:25 | Mildmay Novices' Chase | Grade 2 | 3m1f |
| 17:05 | Foxhunters' Chase | Conditions | 2m5f (National fences) |
| 17:40 | Anniversary Hurdle | Grade 3 | 2m½f |
Saturday 11 April — Grand National Day
Saturday is the climax of the festival with the Grand National the centrepiece at 4pm. See our full Grand National 2026 betting guide for runners, odds, trends and tips.
Expert analysis
Aintree Festival 2026 — Betting Tips
Thursday's Grade 1 card is underbet relative to the Saturday National. The Melling Chase and Manifesto often feature Irish raiders who have targeted Aintree specifically — Mullins and Elliott runners at fair prices deserve careful study.
The Topham Chase on Friday over the National fences often reveals course specialists. A horse jumping those unique spruce fences fluently in the Topham is a strong positive indicator for future Grand National entries.
Non-GamStop bookmakers offer enhanced place terms across all Aintree Festival races — not just the National. 5-place terms on the competitive Grade 3 handicap chases provide excellent each-way value at prices of 10/1 to 25/1.
April Aintree weather is notoriously variable. A wet forecast can transform the market — horses proven on soft/heavy ground become significantly more interesting, while those requiring faster going should be avoided if rain arrives.
Where to bet
Best Non-GamStop Bookmakers for Aintree Festival 2026
These non-GamStop bookmakers offer full coverage of Aintree Festival 2026 with the best each-way terms and competitive odds.
Common questions
Aintree Festival 2026 — FAQs
The Aintree Grand National Festival 2026 runs from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April 2026. Day 1 is Thursday, Ladies Day is Friday 10 April, and Grand National Day is Saturday 11 April with the big race at 4pm.
The festival features Grade 1 races on every day. Thursday highlights include the JLT Melling Chase, Manifesto Novices' Chase and Maghull Novices' Chase. Friday features the Aintree Hurdle (G1) and Topham Chase over the National fences. All three days offer a full card of competitive jump racing.
Yes. Non-GamStop bookmakers like Freshbet, Goldenbet and BetOnRed cover all three days of the Aintree Festival — not just the Grand National. All races are available with ante-post and day-of betting markets, enhanced each-way terms and live in-play betting.