Each-Way Bets on the 2026 Grand National

Check out our Grand National Runners A-Z Guide or our Grand National Runners hub with star ratings to help you find the horse to back. 

Each-Way Bets on the 2026 Grand National – Tips & Selections

An each-way bet is one of the most popular ways to bet on the Grand National, especially given the race’s large field and unpredictable nature.

Instead of simply backing a horse to win, an each-way bet gives you a chance of a return if your selection finishes in the top places — which often extends to 4th, 5th, or even 6th/7th with certain bookmakers.

This guide explains what to look for in each-way picks and offers specific horses that could be worth considering at the 2026 Grand National.

What is an each-way bet?

An each-way bet consists of two parts:

• A win bet — your horse must finish first
• A place bet — your horse must finish in one of the places offered by the bookmaker

If the horse wins, both parts pay out. If the horse places but doesn’t win, only the place part pays at a reduced fraction of the odds. Each-way betting can be especially valuable in the Grand National due to the extended place terms some bookmakers offer (up to 6 or 7 places).

What makes a good each-way selection?

In the context of the Grand National, strong each-way picks tend to share a few traits:

• Bigger odds (bigger than 5/1 to ensure you get a profit if it places)
• Consistent form and ability to finish races
• Proven stamina and jumping ability over long distances
• Previous performance in long-distance chases and/or big fields

Specific each-way selections for 2026

Based on early ante post markets and likely runners for the 2026 Grand National, here are some horses that could fit an each-way betting strategy:

Nick Rockett (around 14/1)

The 2025 winner endured a disrupted season due to injury, but his sole run was a comfortable one under hands and heels in March. He handled last year's weight superbly and could make another bold showing at a bigger price

Haiti Couleurs (around 14/1)

This horse brings strong staying form, having won the Irish Grand National and Welsh National previously, and carries credentials that could see him contending for a place or better at Aintree.

Favori De Champdou (around 33/1)

At a much bigger price, Favori De Champdou represents some possible value given his superb season in cross-country chases. He has handled the unique obstacles with ease this year and while his age is definitely factored into the price, he could still perform well over the tricky fences.

Gerri Colombe (around 33/1)

Returned to form when 2nd in the Bobbyjo Chase (a strong Grand National pointer) and has shown he stays very well. His prep has been different this year, clearly aiming him at the National and the flat nature of Aintree should suit him well.

 

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Tips for placing each-way

Grand National bets

1. 1. Shop around for place terms — Some bookmakers extend places (e.g., paying out 1st–7th), which increases the chance of return.
2. 2. Balance odds vs place probability — Sometimes a slightly lower price with more place terms is worth more than bigger odds with fewer places.
3. 3. Consider form and stamina — Endurance and jumping consistency matter more in the Grand National.

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Example each-way strategy

If you were to place three each-way bets of £5 each:

£5 each-way on Horse A (20/1)

£5 each-way on Horse B (25/1)

£5 each-way on Horse C (50/1)

This would cost £30 total.

Assuming placed terms are 1/5 for 6 places, your actual placed bets could be broken down as:

Horse A:

• £5 to win the Grand National at 20/1
• £5 on the horse to finish in the first 6 at 4/1

Horse B:

• £5 to win the Grand National at 25/1
• £5 on the horse to finish in the first 6 at 5/1

Horse C

• £5 to win the Grand National at 50/1
• £5 on the horse to finish in the first 6 at 10/1

If one or more of the above bets finished inside the placed positions, you would see a return from the place part of the bet.

If one of them won, both the win and place parts would pay out for that selection

Final thoughts on each way betting

Each way wagers are a popular way to take advantage of the Grand National’s unique format and extended field. When used thoughtfully — balancing odds, place terms, and likely contenders — they can offer a more measured approach than simple win bets, especially in a race as unpredictable as this.

SAFER GAMBLING NOTICE

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

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