Grand National News

The unveiling of the Randox Grand National 2026 weights took place yesterday at one of Liverpool’s most iconic buildings – the neoclassical St George’s Hall.

Allocating different weights to the runners is based on their ability and form, with the intention of giving every contender an equal chance of winning the world’s greatest steeplechase. Basially by adding weight we nulify ability so the best horse carries the most weight and the least talented the bottom weight.

The Grand National always throws up a few surpises in 2025 Nick Rockett came in at 33/1, in 2022 Noble Yeats 50/1, Rule The World in 2016 33/1, Many Clouds in 2015 25/1 as was Pineau De Re in 2014, Auroras Encore in 2013 at 66/1 and Mon Mome a staggering 100/1 in 2009.

William Hill have revealed that Iroko is the horse who carries the biggest ante-post liability for the Randox Grand National as entries for the race were released today. Fourth in the race last year, the Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero-trained entry is the 8/1 favourite and by far the worst result for the great race’s Official Betting Partner.

The 2024 hero I Am Maximus is another that the leading bookmaker are wary of, as he has attracted plenty of support following his fine second in Grade 1 company over Christmas. He is currently the 12/1 second favourite.

Elsewhere, punters have also latched onto Monty’s Star, who showed plenty of zest when briefly matching strides with Fact To File in yesterday Irish Gold Cup. Henry de Bromhead’s chaser has seen his price cut into 25/1 from 33s and is one of 49 Irish-trained entries.

Reacting to the entries, William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “Iroko is very much the horse punters want to be with at this stage and he’s comfortably our biggest ante-post liability for the Randox Grand National. He ran a cracking race to finish fourth last year and support has been eye-catchingly strong, which is why he heads the market at 7/1 and would be by far our worst result.

“I Am Maximus is another who is keeping our traders on their toes. His Grade 1 second over Christmas reminded everyone of his class and he’s been well backed again, leaving him a solid 12/1 second favourite as punters look for history to repeat itself at Aintree.

“We’ve also seen a bit of interest further down the list. Monty’s Star caught the eye when taking on Fact To File in the Irish Gold Cup and that effort has seen him trimmed into 25/1 from 33s.

“With 49 Irish-trained horses among the entries and plenty of strong staying types at bigger prices, it’s shaping up to be a fascinating and wide-open renewal from a betting perspective. Roll on the weights announcement on Tuesday 17th February!”

William Hill – Aintree – Grand National – 11th Apr 2026

Iroko 7/1
I Am Maximus 12/1
Haiti Couleurs 14/1
Grangeclare West 20/1
Panic Attack 20/1
Nick Rockett 25/1
Captain Cody 25/1
Monty’s Star 25/1 (from 33/1)

OPENING DAY – THURSDAY 9 APRIL 2026

Gates open: 11am

START TIMES RACE DISTANCE  TELEVISED
1.45pm THE BOODLES ANNIVERSARY 4-Y-O JUVENILE HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1)(Grade1) 2m 4f ITV
2.20pm THE WILLIAM HILL MANIFESTO NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1)(Grade1) 2m 1f ITV
2.55pm THE AINTREE BOWL STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 1) (GBB RACE) 3m 1f ITV
3.30pm THE  WILLIAM HILL AINTREE HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 1) (GBB RACE) 2m 4f ITV
4.05pm THE RANDOX FOXHUNTERS’ OPEN HUNTERS’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) 2m 5f ITV
4.40pm THE CLOSE BROTHERS RED RUM HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREM HANDICAP) 2m ITV
5.15pm THE GOFFS NICKEL COIN MARES’ STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 2) 2m 1f  

LADIES DAY – FRIDAY 10 APRIL 2026

Gates open: 10:30am

START TIMES RACE DISTANCE  TELEVISED
1.45pm THE WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) 3m 1f ITV
2.20pm THE MILDMAY NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) 2m 4f ITV
2.55pm THE TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 1) 2m 1/2f ITV
3.30pm THE JCB MELLING STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 1) 2m 4f ITV
4.05pm THE RANDOX TOPHAM HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) 2m 5f ITV
4.40pm THE ODDSCHECKER SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 1) 3m 1/2F ITV
5.15pm THE DEBENHAMS HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2) (CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ AND AMATEUR RIDERS’ RACE) 2m 1/2f  

RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL DAY – SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2026

Gates open: 10am

START TIMES RACE DISTANCE  TELEVISED
12.45pm THE  HALLGARTEN AND NOVUM WINES MAGHULL NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) 2m ITV
1.20pm THE WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) 3m 1/2f ITV
1.55pm THE TURNERS MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) 2m 4f ITV
2.30pm THE WILLIAM HILL FREEBOOTER HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) 3m 1f ITV
3.05pm THE LIVERPOOL HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1)3m 1/2 3m 1/2f ITV
4.00pm THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) 4m 2 1/2f ITV
5.00pm THE WEATHERBYS NHSTALLIONS.CO.UK STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 2) 2m 1  

 

There is no better place to watch the Grand National than from one on the hospitality viewing suites

Our Grand National Hospitality packages at The Randox Health Grand National Festival promise passion, thrills and drama like nowhere else. Who will forget Nick Rocketts win in 2025!

The Grand National is much more than the showpiece race; there are three days of world class racing that everyone is sure to enjoy.

The curtain will rise on Opening Day when the racing action will be followed by sensational live music and entertainment. Day two of the festival is when Aintree sees the ladies take the stage. As well as breathtaking action on the racecourse, Ladies Day will include the search for the most stylish racegoer. And then, the day of the grandest show on Earth. The world will watch on Grand National Day.

Full details of all our paakges are available at https://arevents.co.uk/racecourse-hospitality/aintree-racecourse/grand-national/