2026 Grand National Betting

The Grand National needs very little introduction, as it’s one of the most famous sporting events on the UK calendar. Hosted every year at Aintree, just outside of Liverpool, this race appeals to seasoned punters and novice bettors alike.  

In this Grand National 2026 preview, we look ahead to the main race and consider which runners are most likely to succeed this year. We also reveal the Grand National schedule and show you how to place a bet on the Grand National at Betano. 

The Grand National is scheduled for April 11th 2026. Ladies’ Day is on Friday, 10th April 2026. As always, the 2026 Grand National is at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, with a 4.00 pm start time.

But it’s not the only race of significance; here’s an overview of the biggest races you can bet on throughout this year’s Grand National festival: 

The Grand National is the most famous horse race in the United Kingdom, held annually since 1839. It’s also the UK’s most valuable National Hunt horse race, with a prize pool of £1 million. It is a handicap steeplechase run over approximately 4 miles and 2.5 furlongs, with up to 34 horses in the field.  

One of the reasons for the enduring popularity of the Grand National is that it’s the horse race that everyone, regardless of their interest in the sport, watches. It’s a British tradition, with millions of viewers and punters every year.  

Willie Mullins made it two consecutive Grand National triumphs in 2025, when Nick Rockett romped home. This followed I Am Maximus’ success in 2024. As a handicap race, it’s not easy for a horse to win the Grand National more than once.

In fact, only seven horses have achieved this feat, and only one has done so this century:

• Abd-El-Kader (1850 & 1851)
• The Colonel (1869 & 1870)
• Manifesto (1897 & 1899)
• Poethlyn (1918 & 1919)
• Reynoldstown (1935 & 1936)
• Red Rum (1973, 1974, & 1977)
• Tiger Roll (2018 & 2019)

Here’s an overview of the previous ten winners of the Grand National at Aintree:

If you’re keen to bet on the Grand National in 2026, here are the early favourites ahead of the biggest race on the UK calendar:

Grangeclare West 

Grangeclare West hasn’t really lived up to his initial hype following three consecutive wins at the back end of 2023, and his second place at Leopardstown was his best finish of 2025. He finished third in the 2025 Grand National, though, and will look to improve on that in the 2026 race. 

Haiti Couleurs 

This eight-year-old French-bred gelding is among the early favourites for the 2026 Grand National. He won the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in 2025, proving his staying power and strength over long distances. 

Iroko 

Many see Iroko as a Grand National champion in the making, and he was imposing with high-profile wins in 2023. No wins in 2024 or 2025 could be a cause for concern, but he ran well at Kelso in the Premier Chase in April 2025, finishing second to Grey Dawning. 

I Am Maximus 

2024 Grand National winner, I Am Maximus, is back among the favourites for the 2026 race. Despite the additional weight, he finished second to Nick Rockett in 2025 and will likely go again under Paul Townend for his last serious attempt at a second Grand National triumph. 

Nick Rockett 

33/1 outsider Nick Rockett won the 2024 Grand National for Willie Mullins, and he could become the first horse since Tiger Roll to win consecutive Nationals. His Grand National win was his third consecutive triumph in 2025, form he will hope to continue in 2026. 

Myretown 

Lucinda Russell will regard Myretown as her best chance at the Grand National since Corach Rambler in 2023. He was superb in his win in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in 2025, and could be a decent each-way bet ahead of the 2026 Grand National. 

Jagwar  

Trained by Oliver Greenall, Jagwar arrives in strong form after recent placed efforts in competitive handicaps, showing stamina and consistency that suggest he can handle the Grand National test. We saw his potential at Cheltenham in March, where he finished second to Johnnywho in the Ultima Handicap Chase. 

Johnnywho  

From the yard of Jonjo O’Neill, Johnnywho impressed with his recent victory at Cheltenham and solid chasing form, shaping as an improving stayer capable of making his presence felt at Aintree. 

Gerri Colombe 

A leading contender from Gordon Elliott’s stable, Gerri Colombe has impressive top-level form, including Grade 1 wins and strong festival placings, bringing proven class and stamina into the race. He started 2026 with three places (third, second, and first) in three outings at Gowran Park, Fairyhouse, and Down Royal, respectively, so he heads into the National in good form. 

Monty’s Star 

Monty’s Star has posted notable recent placings in graded company, for Henry de Bromhead, showing steady improvement and the stamina profile needed for a bold National bid. While many expected better than his sixth-placed finish in this year’s Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February, Monty’s Star has all the attributes of a potential National champion. 

Captain Cody  

Another potential winner for Gordon Elliott, Captain Cody has built momentum with recent wins and placed runs over staying trips, marking him as a progressive type with Grand National potential. He won the 2025 Scottish Grand National at Ayr and could represent a decent value each-way bet on this year’s National at Aintree. 

Betano is a leading sports betting site for UK punters, offering competitive odds, extensive markets, and several offers for horse racing betting. If you want to bet on the Grand National, create an account today by clicking the “Sign Up” button on the Betano Sportsbook homepage.

Then, follow the prompts to create your account, verify your contact information, and make a deposit at our cashier. You can also visit our GN betting offers page to check for the latest promotions and to see if you can access a free bet to use on the Grand National or other horse races.

When betting on the Grand National, we encourage you to do some research and always bet within your means. Decide how much you can afford to lose and place your bets accordingly. You can find out more details about responsible gambling via the Betano Safer Gambling Portal.