StableBet Editorial Team
UK horse racing experts · Last reviewed 2026-03-31
The 2026 Randox Grand National takes place on Saturday 11 April at Aintree Racecourse, the centrepiece of a three-day meeting that begins on Thursday 9 April. The race itself covers 4 miles 2½ furlongs over 30 of the most famous fences in horse racing.
This year's renewal features a fascinating handicap picture. I Am Maximus heads the weights at 11st 12lb as the 2024 winner seeking to become only the second horse in modern history to carry top weight to victory. Below him, Iroko — last year's unlucky fourth — looks the value play at a handy 11st 1lb after the handicapper was relatively kind.
The Grand National is the single biggest betting race in the calendar. Over £300 million is wagered on it each year, and it attracts casual punters who bet on nothing else. That creates market inefficiencies that informed punters can exploit.
For a deeper look at the race's history, the famous fences, and what makes Aintree unique, see our Grand National guide and the complete Aintree Racecourse guide.
The Favourite: Iroko (7/1)
Iroko is the horse the market trusts most, and with good reason. The seven-year-old finished fourth in the 2025 Grand National when sent off favourite, staying on strongly up the long Aintree run-in. He's won since at Ascot in December, and crucially he carries 11st 1lb — a competitive weight for a horse of his ability.
Trainer Oliver Greenall plans a prep run at Kelso in March before Aintree. The age profile (7) is ideal for the National, and horses who have completed the course before have a significant statistical edge. If the ground comes up good to soft, Iroko looks the one to beat.
The Defending Champion: I Am Maximus (12/1)
Willie Mullins' I Am Maximus won the 2024 Grand National and followed up with second in 2025. He heads the weights at 11st 12lb — the highest burden any horse has carried to victory since Red Rum in 1974. That stat alone is the bear case. The bull case is that he's a class apart from most of these horses, and if the weight doesn't anchor him in the closing stages, he has the experience and jumping ability to win again.
The Each-Way Plays
Haiti Couleurs (14/1) — The Welsh National winner has stamina in abundance and the form to run well at a big price. The step up to National fences is the question mark, but his jumping has been reliable.
Stumptown — Won the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham and clearly handles unusual courses. The Aintree National fences are a different beast to the Cross Country track, but he's a bold jumper who stays forever.
Hewick — A former King George winner with the class to outrun his odds. He needs everything to go right over 30 fences, but if he jumps cleanly he has the pace to be there at the finish.
Jordans (33/1) — Joseph O'Brien's Irish raider is one for the notebooks. He's lightly raced over fences, progressive, and could be the value outsider if the ground comes up soft.
The Weight Factor
No horse has won off top weight since Red Rum. The sweet spot historically is 10st 7lb to 11st 2lb — right where Iroko sits. Horses above 11st 5lb have a poor record, which is the biggest concern for I Am Maximus and any other highly weighted runner.
Finding Value in the National
The Grand National is a 40-runner handicap over the longest distance and biggest fences in British racing. That makes it inherently unpredictable — and that's exactly where value lives.
Previous course form is king. Horses who have completed the Aintree National course before have a dramatically better record than first-timers. The fences are unique, the distance is extreme, and knowing what to expect matters. Iroko (4th in 2025) and I Am Maximus (1st in 2024, 2nd in 2025) both tick this box.
Age matters. The ideal age for a National winner is 8-10 years old. Younger horses (6-7) can win but the stamina and experience often aren't there yet. Older horses (12+) struggle with the demands. Iroko at 7 is on the younger side of the sweet spot.
Check the going on the morning. The Grand National can be run on anything from Good to Heavy. Some horses transform on soft ground; others struggle. Don't commit your stakes until you've seen the going report on race morning. Our betting glossary explains the different going descriptions.
Staking Strategy
For the Grand National specifically, each-way betting is almost always the right approach. With 40 runners, most bookmakers pay 4 places at 1/4 odds. Some offer enhanced terms — 5 or 6 places — and best odds guaranteed should be used wherever available.
A sensible approach is to pick 2-3 each-way selections rather than lumping on one horse. The National is too unpredictable for single-horse strategies.
Responsible Betting
The Grand National attracts millions of casual punters, many betting for the first time. Set a budget before the meeting starts and treat it as entertainment, not an investment. See our responsible gambling guide for practical advice.
The Fences
The Grand National course features 30 fences over two circuits. The most famous include:
- Becher's Brook (fence 6 and 22) — the most feared fence on the course, with a steep drop on the landing side. Horses who jump it well gain a significant advantage.
- The Chair (fence 15) — the tallest fence on the course at 5ft 2in, jumped once on the first circuit only. It sits in front of the grandstands and has a wide open ditch on the take-off side.
- Canal Turn (fence 8 and 24) — requires a sharp left turn immediately after landing, which catches out horses on the inside line.
- Valentine's Brook (fence 9 and 25) — similar to Becher's with a drop on landing, though slightly less severe.
The fences have been modified over the years for safety, but they remain a significant test. Loose horses are a hazard in the National — the field starts with up to 40 runners and attrition is high.
Distance and Stamina
At 4 miles 2½ furlongs, the Grand National is by far the longest race in the calendar. Horses need genuine stamina, not just the ability to stay 3 miles over park fences. Look for horses who have won or placed over 3 miles 3 furlongs or further in previous races.
For the full story on every fence, the course layout, and what makes Aintree unique, see our Grand National complete guide and our guide to visiting Aintree.
Race Day Details
- Date: Saturday 11 April 2026
- Time: The Grand National is expected at approximately 5:15pm
- Course: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, L9 5AS
- Distance: 4 miles 2½ furlongs, 30 fences
- Runners: Up to 40 (final declarations typically Tuesday before the race)
TV Coverage
ITV Racing broadcasts the entire Grand National meeting live. The Saturday card usually starts around 1:45pm with the main race at approximately 5:15pm. Build-up coverage begins earlier in the day.
Tickets
The Grand National meeting runs Thursday to Saturday. Saturday is the most popular day and tickets sell out quickly. Check the Jockey Club website for availability.
For transport options, parking, and what to expect on race day, see our Aintree visiting guide and race day timings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Grand National?
The Grand National takes place on Saturday 11 April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. The race is expected at approximately 5:15pm. The full three-day meeting runs from Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 April.
Who is favourite for the 2026 Grand National?
Iroko is the current ante-post favourite at around 7/1. The seven-year-old finished fourth in the 2025 renewal and is considered well-handicapped this year. I Am Maximus (the 2024 winner) is second favourite at 12/1.
How many horses run in the Grand National?
Up to 40 horses can run. Final declarations are usually made on the Tuesday before the race. Reserve runners may get in if declared runners are withdrawn.
How many fences are in the Grand National?
There are 30 fences across two circuits of the course. The most famous are Becher's Brook, The Chair, and Canal Turn.
What weight has the favourite got?
Iroko carries 11st 1lb. I Am Maximus heads the weights at 11st 12lb. Historically, the ideal winning weight is between 10st 7lb and 11st 2lb.
Where can I watch the Grand National?
ITV Racing broadcasts live coverage of the entire meeting. Coverage is free to air on ITV1 and also available on the ITV Hub.
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