The Randox Grand National is the centrepiece of the entire National Hunt calendar. It is the race that everyone wants to win – trainers, jockeys and, of course, punters.
From Thursday 9th April to Saturday 11th April, Aintree will host three days of top-class racing, culminating in the most famous steeplechase in the world. For Irish racing fans, it has become a weekend of pride as much as competition, with Irish-trained runners dominating recent renewals and once again expected to play a leading role.
Although the Grand National is what everyone eagerly anticipates, there’s plenty of other action worth getting stuck into.
Whether analysing form or following Irish contenders, this is a meeting that can certainly spring a surprise – but we are here to highlight our best tips and what to expect across the festival.
This year’s renewal presents plenty of betting angles across all three days.
Opening day schedule – 9th April
The opening day has plenty of Grade 1 contests, and Irish runners tend to feature heavily throughout.
The Boodles Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle (1:45pm) opens the card. Only four-year-olds can compete and it is raced over 2m 4f. This is a Grade 1 affair, involving various hurdles, and more often than not, this race is closely tied to Cheltenham form – especially the Triumph Hurdle. Runners that were unlucky in running or finished strongly off a fast pace often reverse form here.
Up next, the Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (2:20pm) is open to horses aged five years or older. Previous runners that competed at the Cheltenham Festival have also been successful over the 2m 1f distance at Aintree – so keep an eye out for runners that caught the eye last month. It’s worth noting that Willie Mullins has won the last two renewals of this race.
The Welfare Bowl (2:55pm) is one of the standout races of the day and regularly attracts Gold Cup-level horses. It often suits runners that either skipped Cheltenham or failed to perform at the festival and are looking for redemption.
The Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase (3:30pm) provides another high-class contest. Often, those that have competed in previous editions of the Champion Hurdle take on this challenge. This race tends to favour tactical speed combined with stamina due to the extended distance compared with the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The Aintree Hurdle (4:05pm) introduces a different dynamic to the day as amateur riders have their chance to shine. Irish point-to-point form becomes highly relevant here, and runners with a strong background in that sphere often finish in the places. Horses that have been campaigned carefully through the Irish Hunter Chase circuit can be particularly dangerous in this race.
The Red Rum Handicap Chase (4:40pm) is a fast-run handicap that demands sharp jumping and the ability to travel strongly at pace. Irish-trained runners often arrive with competitive handicap marks and solid recent form, which makes them difficult to ignore in the betting market.
The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ National Hunt (5:15pm) rounds off the day with a typically competitive field on the flat. This race often rewards improving horses rather than exposed handicappers – and Irish stables frequently target it with well-handicapped runners that have been kept fresh for the spring festivals.
Ladies Day schedule – 10th April
Fashion often takes centre stage on Ladies Day, but from a racing perspective, it remains one of the most competitive days of the entire meeting. The card is packed with quality and offers several strong betting opportunities. Let’s take a look at the schedule.
First up is the Handicap Hurdle (1:45pm), which can, on occasions, be a stepping stone towards future Gold Cup contenders. Horses that are still improving over staying trips tend to perform best, and Irish trainers have a strong record here with runners that are built for stamina rather than speed.
The Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2:20pm) is another race that’s heavily influenced by Cheltenham form. Horses that ran well in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle often reappear here, and those that finished strongly at Cheltenham can be particularly dangerous when given a slightly different race setup.
The Top Novices’ Hurdle Race (2:55pm) often features elite two-mile chasers stepping up in distance. Precise jumping and strong travelling types should be your main focus here as any kind of mistake can immediately take horses out of the running. Keep an eye on Irish-trained runners with aggressive tactics that have often proved effective in recent years.
The JCB Melling Chase (3:30pm) provides an early taste of the Grand National fences. Experience over these unique obstacles is without doubt a major advantage, and Irish-trained horses with backgrounds in cross-country or point-to-point racing will often be at the top of the betting. Course knowledge can be just as important as raw ability.
The Topham Handicap Chase (4:05pm) is a thorough stamina test over two and a half miles. Horses that have shown the ability to stay strongly at Cheltenham in recent years or in Irish Grade 1 company tend to dominate – particularly those that finish their races strongly rather than relying on speed.
The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (4:40pm) follows. This is yet another competitive handicap that often features large fields and tight finishes, and provides punters with the chance to look at bigger prices and a shock result.
The day wraps up with the Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (5:15pm), which can often be difficult to assess due to the inexperience of some of the riders. It is best to focus on horses from leading Irish and British yards, where quality can compensate for the riders’ lack of experience.
Check out the odds for the Aintree Festival with Tonybet.
Grand National Day schedule – 11th April
At long last, Grand National Day is where everything comes together. However, this doesn’t mean that it is just about the feature race – the entire card carries quality and betting interest throughout the afternoon. Let’s go through those races and what to look out for.
The Novices’ Steeple Chase (12:45pm) opens proceedings with a competitive field of seasoned runners. Proven stamina and consistent jumping records are often favoured in this type of contest.
Afterwards is the William Hill Handicap Hurdle (1:20pm), an event that Gordon Elliott is eyeing up. Last year, Timmy Tuesday was edged out and the Irish trainer will be hoping to go one better this time around. Over the extended 3m 1/2f trip, Elliott knows what it takes to win at these marathon trips.
Next up is the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (1:55pm), which continues the theme of emerging staying talent. Irish runners have a particularly strong record in this race – often those that have been improving throughout the season and are peaking as we enter spring.
Although over the larger obstacles, the William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (2:30pm) is a contest that demands not only precision but also speed to come out on top. Those who can jump slick and possess the ability to travel strongly at pace tend to come out on top. Irish-trained novices frequently perform well here.
The Liverpool Hurdle (3:05pm) is typically one of the more open races of the day, with large fields and competitive betting markets. Close attention to market movements can often provide useful clues.
Then it’s time for the centrepiece of the entire festival: the Randox Grand National (4:00pm). Run over four miles and two and a half furlongs, and with 30 unique fences to navigate, it is a race that tests stamina, jumping ability and tactical positioning throughout.
Irish-trained horses have dominated recent renewals. Both Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott regularly lead the charge – with more on their leading contenders and betting angles covered later in this article.
The fences may have changed in recent years, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t as competitive. However, the new look to the race gives more horses with a quicker turn of foot a chance.
The festival comes to a close with the Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (5:00pm) – giving eagle-eyed bettors a glimpse into the future.
Irish focus – trainers and jockeys
Looking at recent trends, it’s safe to say that Irish domination is almost expected, and the 2026 edition could well follow the same pattern. With the leading Irish yards once again sending over deep, carefully selected teams aimed at specific races across all three days, the Irish are ready to take over.
Willie Mullins remains the central figure – and not just because of numbers. His approach to Aintree has evolved into something very deliberate, targeting races that suit his runners rather than simply backing up Cheltenham efforts.
With multiple contenders expected across the card, including leading Grand National hopefuls, his influence will be impossible to ignore. Gordon Elliott is in a similar position, continuing to focus on horses built for stamina and capable of handling the unique demands of the National fences. His record in both the Grand National and supporting races speaks for itself.
Henry de Bromhead will also bring a strong team, while trainers such as Gavin Cromwell and Dermot McLoughlin are increasingly becoming yards to watch out for when it comes to National contenders. Cromwell’s runners, in particular, have gained a reputation for being well prepared for big-field handicaps, making them especially interesting from a betting perspective.
Turning our attention to those in the saddle, it’s almost impossible to look beyond Paul Townend, who dominated at the Cheltenham Festival – and all of his rides will no doubt be heavily supported by Irish punters across the card.
Betting tips
If you are looking for a sensible way into the 2026 Randox Grand National market, there are a few names to note ahead of the big race. I Am Maximus remains the headline name after already proving that he can handle Aintree’s unique demands, and that previous course form makes him an obvious benchmark for the race.
Jagwar has also been put forward as a serious contender and appeals as an improving type who could peak at the right time. He is one to consider for both win and each-way purposes, particularly if the market remains strong in the final days before declarations.
Next on our list is Grangeclare West, who brings strong Irish credentials and looks like the type to attract plenty of support from punters who want proven staying quality from a top yard. He has the profile of a horse who could be well suited to the rhythm of the race – especially if he settles early and jumps cleanly.
Johnnywho is another horse worth noting because he fits the type of runner that has so much stamina in the tank alongside composure in big fields, which is why he is a contender who could run better than more exposed rivals.
Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning Iroko (12/1), who is likely to be one of the more popular selections with punters who like a horse with a strong all-round profile. He has already been prominent in Grand National discussions for some time, and it is easy to see why. He has the ability to travel well in a big field and has often looked the sort who should cope with the demands of Aintree.
Keep up to date with Tonybet
If you’re looking to place a bet across the Aintree Grand National Festival, look no further than Tonybet, which will provide competitive odds throughout the cards each day – including the big one.
