Grand National 2026: Aintree Festival Preview
Introduction: Why Grand National 2026 matters
The Grand National is one of the United Kingdom’s most watched and historic horse races, and the 2026 renewal remains a major sporting and cultural event. Taking place across a three‑day festival, the meeting draws widespread interest from racegoers, broadcasters and bettors. With arrangements confirmed for 9–11 April 2026 and broadcast plans in place, fans and followers can plan attendance and viewing in advance.
Main details and schedule
Dates, format and entries
The Jockey Club confirms the Aintree festival will run from 9 to 11 April 2026 and will feature 21 races, including the Randox Grand National. For the headline race, a total of 78 horses have been entered for the £1 million Randox Grand National — a reduction from 90 entries last year and from more than 100 in earlier years.
Key races and timings
The Saturday card includes several Grade 1 and Grade 2 contests. Published times and marquee races include:
- 1.45pm: The Boodles Anniversary 4‑year‑old Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 2.20pm: The William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1)
- 2.55pm: The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1) — a GBB Race
- 4.05pm BST: The William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Class 1, Grade 1) over 2m 4f
- Randox Grand National: the Randox Grand National run over approximately 4m 2½f, scheduled for the Saturday card (Grand National start around 4.00pm)
- 5.15pm: The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 1, Grade 2)
- 5.35pm: Weatherbys NHStallion.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race over 2m 1f
Broadcast and coverage
The full three‑day festival will be available on ITVX and Racing TV, while Saturday’s Grand National race is scheduled to be shown live on ITV1. Those following live text updates can also use ESPN’s Grand National live blog on race day.
Conclusion: What this means for fans
Grand National 2026 offers a compact, high‑profile festival with confirmed dates, a packed Saturday card and broad broadcast coverage. The reduced number of entries for the Randox Grand National — 78 this year versus larger fields in recent seasons — is a notable trend and may shape the final declared field and betting markets. Supporters planning to attend or watch have clear scheduling and viewing options to follow the action across the weekend.
