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Grand National Aintree: Event Guide
The Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse combines elite National Hunt racing with a unique atmosphere that extends beyond the track.
Held over three days each April, the meeting culminates in the Grand National itself, a race that attracts global attention and casual viewers alongside dedicated racing audiences.
We're covering everything you need to know about the event, from race schedules and key contests to what to expect across the three days.
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When is the Grand National Festival 2026?
The 2026 Grand National Festival is scheduled to take place across three days:
- Thursday 9 April 2026 – Opening Day
- Friday 10 April 2026 – Ladies Day
- Saturday 11 April 2026 – Grand National Day
Each day offers a full day of racing, with quality and big names on show every day.
The Three Days at Aintree Explained
Thursday: Opening Day
The festival begins with a strong card focused on high-quality Grade 1 racing. The day starts with a Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle where some of the most promising young horses will go head to head, while the Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) at 16:05 is the highlight of the day.
Thursday's Race Schedule
13:45 BOODLES ANNIVERSARY 4-Y-O JUVENILE HURDLE (Grade 1) (1) 2m 209y
14:20 WILLIAM HILL MANIFESTO NOVICES' CHASE (Grade 1) (1) 2m 3f 200y
14:55 RACING WELFARE BOWL CHASE (Grade 1) (1) 3m 210y
15:30 RANDOX FOXHUNTERS’ OPEN HUNTERS’ CHASE (2) 2m 5f 19y
16:05 WILLIAM HILL AINTREE HURDLE (Grade 1) (1) 2m 4f
16:40 CLOSE BROTHERS RED RUM HANDICAP CHASE (PREMIER HANDICAP) (1) 1m 7f 176y
17:15 GOFFS NICKEL COIN MARES' STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT (Grade 2) (1) 2m 209y
Friday: Ladies Day
Friday at Aintree is widely known as Ladies Day, combining racing with one of the most recognisable social occasions in the UK sporting calendar. While the racing remains competitive, the day is equally defined by:
- Fashion and style
- Large crowds and atmosphere
- Broad mainstream appeal
It represents a different pace to Thursday, with a balance between sporting focus and social occasion.
Friday's Race Schedule
13:45 WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE (PREMIER HANDICAP) (1) 2m 4f
14:20 WILLIAM HILL MILDMAY NOVICES' CHASE (Grade 1) (1) 3m 210y
14:55 THATPRIZEGUY TOP NOVICES' HURDLE (Grade 1) (1) 2m 103y
15:30 JCB MELLING CHASE (Grade 1) (1) 2m 3f 200y
16:05 RANDOX TOPHAM HANDICAP CHASE (PREMIER HANDICAP) (1) 2m 5f 19y
16:40 ODDSCHECKER SEFTON NOVICES' HURDLE (Grade 1) (1) 3m 149y
17:15 DEBENHAMS HANDICAP HURDLE (Conditional Jockeys & Amateur Riders) (2) 2m 103y
Saturday: Grand National Day
The final day centres around the Grand National itself, run at 16:00. This is the most-watched race of the meeting and one of the most recognisable horse races in the world. The day typically features:
- The biggest crowds and the best atmosphere
- A strong supporting card of races
- Build-up coverage throughout the afternoon
Saturday's Race Schedule
12:45 HALLGARTEN & NOVUM WINES MAGHULL NOVICES' CHASE (Grade 1) (1) 1m 7f 176y
13:20 WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE (PREMIER HANDICAP) (1) 3m 149y
13:55 TURNERS MERSEY NOVICES' HURDLE (Grade 1) (1) 2m 4f
14:30 WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP CHASE (Freebooter) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (1) 3m 210y
15:05 JET2 LIVERPOOL HURDLE (Grade 1) (1) 3m 149y
16:00 RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP CHASE (PREMIER HANDICAP) (1) 4m 2f 74y
17:00 WEATHERBYS nhstallions.co.uk STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT (Grade 2) (1) 2m 209y
What makes the Grand National unique?
The Grand National stands apart from other races due to a combination of factors:
Distance and endurance
Run over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, the race is the most difficult test of stamina.
Horses must maintain rhythm and jumping accuracy over an extended distance that many won’t have faced before
The fences
Aintree’s fences are among the most famous in racing, including:
- Becher’s Brook
- The Chair
- Canal Turn
These obstacles demand precision and experience, contributing to the unpredictable nature of the race.
Large field size
The Grand National typically features a maximum field of 34 runners, creating a very different dynamic compared to smaller-field races. This increases:
- Traffic and positioning challenges
- The possibility of interference
- The importance of jumping consistency
How to watch the Grand National
In the UK, the Grand National Festival is broadcast live on ITV. Coverage includes:
Live races from all three days
Pre-race analysis and previews
Post-race reaction
You can also watch through Racing TV, a paid subscription service which will show every race from Aintree.
For those attending in person, Aintree offers multiple enclosures and viewing areas, ranging from general admission to premium hospitality.
Attending Aintree: What to Expect
For racegoers, the Grand National Festival is as much about the experience as the racing. Key aspects include:
- Crowd and atmosphere
- Large attendance across all three days
- Peak crowds on Ladies Day and Grand National Day
- A mix of racing fans and casual visitors
- An emphasis on fashion Dress code
While there is no strict requirement in most enclosures, attendees often dress smartly — particularly on Friday.
Ladies Day is especially known for:
Formal wear
Fashion competitions
A more stylised presentation
Facilities Aintree Racecourse provides:
- Multiple bars and food outlets
- Betting facilities across the venue
- Large screens for race viewing
Planning ahead is recommended, particularly for Saturday when demand is highest.
Why the Grand National remains so popular
The appeal of the Grand National extends beyond racing enthusiasts. Key factors include:
- Accessibility – a race that attracts casual viewers
- Unpredictability – large fields and unique fences
- Tradition – a long-standing place in the sporting calendar
- Shared experience – watched by millions each year
It is one of the few events that bridges the gap between sport and national occasion.
Final Word
The Grand National Festival at Aintree offers three days of high-quality racing, culminating in one of the most iconic events in world sport. Key takeaways:
- Three-day festival from 9–11 April 2026
- Hosted at Aintree Racecourse
- Grand National run at 4:00pm on Saturday
Whether attending in person or watching from home, the event combines sporting significance with a broader cultural appeal.
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