Grand National 2026 Betting Guide
The world's most famous steeplechase. Saturday 11 April 2026, 4:00pm, Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. 34 runners, 30 fences, 4 miles 2 furlongs, £1 million prize fund. Here's everything you need to bet at non-GamStop bookmakers — runners, odds, trends, tips and where to find the best each-way terms.
About the Grand National 2026
The Grand National is the world's most famous horse race — a steeplechase held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool since 1839. The 2026 renewal is the 178th running of the race. No other single event in global horse racing generates as much public interest — an estimated 600 million people in over 140 countries watch the race, and bookmakers expect upwards of £250 million to be wagered on the outcome in the UK alone.
The race is run over 4 miles and 514 yards — two circuits of the Aintree course — with 30 fences to be jumped. The field is capped at a maximum of 34 runners (reduced from 40 in 2024 for safety reasons), with final declarations confirmed at the 72-hour stage on Wednesday 8 April 2026 at 10am. Up to six reserves are held in case of non-runners.
The Grand National is a handicap — meaning every horse carries a different weight determined by its Official Rating, with the highest-rated horses carrying the most weight. With 34 runners navigating 30 fences over more than four miles, stamina, jumping ability, and a degree of fortune all play a role in determining the winner. A horse can be in winning contention throughout and fall at the penultimate fence; conversely, a horse can survive early incidents and come home strongly late on.
📅 Grand National Festival — Three Days of Racing
Thursday 9 April: Day 1 — includes the JLT Melling Chase and a full card of jump racing. Friday 10 April: Ladies Day — includes the Topham Chase over the National fences and the Aintree Hurdle. Saturday 11 April: Grand National Day — culminating in the big race at 4pm.
2025 Review — Nick Rockett's Victory
The 2025 Grand National produced an emotional result as Nick Rockett, a 33/1 outsider trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by his son Patrick Mullins (an amateur jockey), came home ahead of 2024 winner I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West in third. It was a remarkable result — Mullins training the first three home, and his son landing the prize on his Grand National debut. A moment that will be discussed for years.
Grand National 2026 — Runners & Ante-Post Odds
⚠️ Odds are indicative ante-post prices as of late March 2026. Final declarations confirmed Wednesday 8 April. Always check current odds with your bookmaker before betting — prices fluctuate significantly ahead of the race.
| Horse | Trainer | Ante-Post Odds | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐I Am Maximus | Willie Mullins (IRE) | 6/1 FAV | 1P2121 | Won 2024, 2nd 2025. Heads weights. Two-time National hero. |
| Iroko | Willie Mullins (IRE) | 8/1 | 11321 | Heads many ante-post lists. Won Graduation Chase at Ascot. |
| Jagwar | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | 10/1 | 12213 | 2nd in 2026 Cheltenham Ultima. Mark Walsh confirmed as jockey. |
| Haiti Couleurs | Rebecca Curtis (WAL) | 12/1 | 1211 | Welsh & Irish Grand National winner. Sean Bowen up. Stays well. |
| Grangeclare West | Willie Mullins (IRE) | 14/1 | 33213 | 3rd in 2025 National behind stablemates. Strong stayer. |
| Nick Rockett | Willie Mullins (IRE) | 16/1 | 12131 | 2025 winner at 33/1. Patrick Mullins likely to retain the ride. |
| Panic Attack | Dan Skelton | 16/1 | 21112 | Sole mare in entries. Dan Skelton first GN runner since 2024. |
| Lecky Watson | Gordon Elliott (IRE) | 18/1 | 31412 | Strong Elliott raider. Consistent in staying chases. |
| Captain Cody | Henry de Bromhead (IRE) | 20/1 | 21123 | De Bromhead won 2021 Grand National with Minella Times. |
| Monty's Star | Henry de Bromhead (IRE) | 20/1 | 12211 | Best of de Bromhead's five entries. Won at Ascot this season. |
| Grey Dawning | Dan Skelton | 25/1 | 31213 | Second Skelton entry. Won Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham. |
| Mr Vango | Sara Bradstock | 25/1 | 11221 | Midlands Grand National winner. Needs soft/heavy going. |
| Deafening Silence | Dan Skelton | 33/1 | 23114 | Third Skelton entry. Won over 4m+ at Midlands National. |
| Rest of field | Various | 40/1+ | — | Full field of 34 confirmed Wednesday 8 April at 10am. |
✅ Mullins Dominance in 2025
Willie Mullins trained the first three finishers in the 2025 Grand National (Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus, Grangeclare West). In 2026 he has multiple entries including the market favourite I Am Maximus, Iroko, Grangeclare West and Nick Rockett. His record at Aintree is unparalleled among modern trainers — always treat his runners with respect regardless of starting price.
Grand National 2026 — Betting Trends & Statistics
Historical trends narrow the field considerably. Apply these filters before making your selection:
💡 Key Trend Summary for 2026
Looking for 8–9 year olds, carrying 11-00 or less, who have run 3+ times this season, proven over 3m+ in 2025/26, with no falls or UR this term. Cross-reference with market support — a horse fitting these criteria that shortens significantly in the morning market is the highest-confidence profile.
The course
The Grand National's Famous Fences
The Grand National's 30 fences are among the most challenging and iconic in world sport. Six have acquired legendary status — here's what makes each one significant for betting.
The most notorious fence in racing — a 5ft plain fence with the landing side between 6 and 10 inches lower than the take-off side. The brook running along the landing side gives the fence its name. Many races have been lost and won here as the field bunches on the first circuit.
The smallest fence on the course at 4ft 6in, yet infamous for producing one of racing's greatest upsets. In 1967 a mass pile-up here allowed 100/1 outsider Foinavon to pick his way through and win. The fence is named in his honour.
5ft high with a 90-degree left turn immediately after landing — meaning horses must twist sharply while still in motion. The most technically demanding fence on the course. A skilled jumping horse with a well-positioned jockey can gain several lengths; a mistake costs dearly.
Another brook fence, not as steep as Becher's but still demanding. The fence is 5ft high with a brook on the landing side similar to Becher's. Valentine's traditionally sees fewer fallers than Becher's but remains a key point in proceedings where the field thins on the second circuit.
The tallest fence in the race at 5ft 2in with a 6ft ditch in front — jumped only once on the first circuit. The Chair is the biggest challenge of the first circuit for novices to the course. Despite its fearsome appearance, it produces fewer fallers than Becher's as horses tend to approach with caution.
A 2ft 6in fence followed by a 9ft wide water jump — also only jumped once on the first circuit. The smallest fence in the race but one of the most spectacular visually, with horses landing in or beyond the water. A horse that handles water jumps well has a psychological advantage approaching Becher's again.
Expert analysis
Grand National 2026 — Betting Tips
Our analysis of the 2026 Grand National market and key factors to consider before placing your bet.
With 34 runners, the Grand National is one of the few races where each-way betting is virtually mandatory for value. Non-GamStop bookmakers typically offer 6 or 7 places on the National — giving you coverage through most of the field. A 20/1 shot finishing 6th returns a meaningful profit on the place part at 1/5 odds with 7 places.
I Am Maximus deserves favouritism — he's a proven Grand National horse who won in 2024 and was runner-up in 2025 carrying top weight. But at 6/1, the each-way value is limited. Only 7 favourites have won the National in the past 50 years. Back him each-way if at all, or look for value elsewhere in the market.
The 2025 winner at 16/1 is interesting. Yes, he won as a 33/1 outsider — but he has now shown he handles the course, distance, Mullins conditions the team creates, and the big occasion. Patrick Mullins is likely to retain the ride. 16/1 may represent value for a horse that genuinely won this race 12 months ago.
The Grand National has been run on Good, Good to Soft and Soft in recent years. April Aintree weather is unpredictable — check the going forecast carefully in the week before the race. Mr Vango explicitly needs soft ground and won't be seen at their best on anything faster. Going affects this race more than almost any other.
Rebecca Curtis's Welsh and Irish Grand National winner has the form profile and staying credentials. Mares have won the Grand National before (Nickel Coin, 1951) and Sean Bowen is a brilliant jockey in big handicaps. At 12/1, she may represent each-way value if the going suits — Curtis specifically noted she needs cut in the ground.
For casual punters wanting National coverage without the agonising single pick, a Lucky 15 across four selections covers all combinations — singles, doubles, trebles and the four-fold. Even one winner returns something. Select one short-priced contender, two mid-priced each-way runners and one longer-priced each-way punt. Budget carefully.
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How to Bet on the Grand National at a Non-GamStop Site
Where to bet
Best Non-GamStop Bookmakers for the Grand National 2026
These non-GamStop bookmakers offer full coverage of the Grand National with the best each-way terms, free bet promotions and competitive odds.
Common questions
Grand National 2026 — FAQs
The Grand National 2026 takes place on Saturday 11 April 2026 at 4:00pm GMT at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. The full Grand National Festival runs over three days: Thursday 9 April (Day 1), Friday 10 April (Ladies Day) and Saturday 11 April (Grand National Day). Final declarations are confirmed on Wednesday 8 April at 10am.
I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins, is the ante-post favourite as of late March 2026 — heading the weights as the 2024 winner and 2025 runner-up. Iroko is also prominent near the top of the market. Jagwar, Haiti Couleurs and Grangeclare West are among the leading mid-price contenders at 10/1 to 14/1.
A maximum of 34 horses run in the Grand National — the field size was reduced from 40 in 2024 for safety reasons. From 78 original entries, the field gradually reduces through the weights process and final declarations. Up to six reserves are held in case of non-runners before the Wednesday 8 April 10am deadline.
Standard UKGC bookmakers typically pay 4 places at 1/4 odds on the Grand National. However, non-GamStop bookmakers like Freshbet and Goldenbet often offer 6 or even 7 places — giving you protection much further down the field. With 34 runners this makes a significant difference to your expected return.
Nick Rockett, a 33/1 outsider trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Patrick Mullins (Willie's son, an amateur jockey), won the 2025 Grand National. It was an emotional victory as the Mullins team trained the first three finishers — Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West. Nick Rockett had not won since the previous April's Scottish National at Ayr.
Register at a non-GamStop bookmaker (Freshbet, Goldenbet or BetOnRed are our top recommendations), complete verification, deposit funds, and navigate to Horse Racing → Aintree → Grand National. Choose your selection, click each-way, enter your stake and confirm. Do this before Wednesday 8 April when the final field is confirmed — ante-post prices offer better value but non-runners are generally not refunded in ante-post markets.