StableBet Editorial Team
UK horse racing experts · Last reviewed 2026-04-05
This Friday marks the moment flat racing fans across North Yorkshire have been waiting for. Thirsk Racecourse throws open its gates on 10th April for the first meeting of the 2026 season — and the timing couldn't be better. Just twenty-four hours later, all eyes turn to Aintree for the biggest race in the calendar: the Randox Grand National.
It's a weekend that captures everything brilliant about British racing. Two very different courses, two very different codes, but one shared feeling — that unmistakable buzz when the new season gets underway.
Thirsk: The Flat Is Back
Thirsk's season opener on Friday has become something of a tradition for Yorkshire racegoers. The compact, right-handed track at Station Road has hosted racing since 1855, and there's a warmth to the place that bigger courses struggle to match. The first afternoon card of the year always draws a loyal crowd, and 2026 should be no different.
This year's opener doubles as an Easter Family Day, so it's not just about what's happening on the track. Expect inflatables, fairground stalls, face painting, a kids' disco, and live music alongside the racing — making it an ideal day out whether you're studying the form book or just soaking up the atmosphere. Free children's entertainment is included with admission, and a saver rate is available for anyone booking before midnight on Tuesday 7th April.
As for the racing itself, Thirsk's tight, flat oval tends to favour prominent racers and those drawn low when the stalls are on the stands' side. It's worth keeping that in mind when picking through the card. Early-season form can be tricky to read, but that's half the fun — finding a horse that's been ticking over nicely through the winter and is ready to hit the ground running.
For a full guide to the track, including tips on which draws and running styles work best, see our Thirsk Racecourse guide.
The Grand National: Saturday's Main Event
If Friday at Thirsk is the starter, Saturday's Grand National is the main course. The world's most famous steeplechase goes off at 4pm on 11th April, the climax of a three-day Aintree Festival that begins on Thursday and builds through Ladies Day on the Friday.
This year's renewal has all the ingredients for a memorable race. A maximum field of 34 runners will line up to tackle four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs of the most demanding fences in jump racing — from the daunting Becher's Brook to the drama of the Canal Turn and the long, energy-sapping run-in from the final fence. The prize fund stands at £1 million.
The storylines practically write themselves. I Am Maximus, the 2024 champion, returns for another crack under top weight of 11st 12lb. At around 6/1, he's the market leader, and there's a strong argument he's the best horse in the race — but the Grand National has a habit of humbling favourites, and carrying that weight over these fences is a different proposition entirely.
Behind him in the betting, Iroko (around 10/1) and Jagwar (10/1) have attracted serious support, while Grangeclare West (12/1) looks a fascinating each-way option after finishing a staying-on third behind Nick Rockett last year and then bolting up in the Bobbyjo Chase on heavy ground in February. If conditions come up soft at Aintree, he could be the value bet of the weekend.
Nick Rockett, last year's winner, is back to defend his crown, and other names to note include Haiti Couleurs, Panic Attack, Lecky Watson, Captain Cody, and Monty's Star — all with legitimate claims to a place in the frame. The final 34 runners will be confirmed on Wednesday 8th April, so expect the picture to sharpen considerably as we head into midweek.
For a deep dive into the runners, weights, and betting strategy, see our full Grand National 2026 preview and Grand National tips.
One Weekend, Two Great Days Out
What makes this Easter weekend special is the contrast. Friday at Thirsk offers the grassroots charm of a small flat track buzzing with the energy of a new season. Saturday at Aintree delivers the raw drama and spectacle of jump racing's biggest day. You don't have to choose one or the other — both have something to offer, whether you're a seasoned punter or someone who backs a horse once a year because they like the name.
If you're heading to Thirsk on Friday, get your tickets booked before Tuesday night to grab the saver rate. And if you're settling in at home on Saturday for the National, get your selections in early — the market is moving fast.
Whatever your plan, it's a cracking weekend to be a racing fan. The flat is back, the National is here, and the 2026 season is well and truly alive.
Share this article
Gamble Responsibly
Gambling should be entertaining and not seen as a way to make money. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help and support is available.