Grand National Tips, Runners, Odds & Predictions 2026
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The Aintree Grand National is one of the most popular and well-known horse races in the world. It brings support and viewers to the sport like no other race can, and the 2026 renewal of the race should be no different. A maximum of 34 horses will line up for the big race on April 11th, and in this online betting guide to the race, we will give you the latest 2026 Grand National betting odds. We will also give you our expert Grand National betting tips, so read on to discover everything you need to know about the greatest horse race in the world.
Irish Bookmakers for Betting on the Grand National
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Grand National Ante-Post Betting Odds
A maximum field of 34 runners will line up for the 2026 Grand National, with Willie Mullins’ powerful duo of I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West heading up the market with many of the best betting sites in Ireland at the time of writing. With such a competitive field, you can be sure that bookies will be doing all they can to attract new customers by offering the very best free bets, so shop around to find the best value ahead of the race.
Below is a list of the top 8 horses in the betting as we look forward to this year’s race.
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Odds are subject to change. Please check individual bookmarkers before placing your bets.
Grand National Betting Tips Today
The Aintree Grand National is a special race which attracts an audience to >a href="https://www.betinireland.ie/sports-betting/horse-racing/">horse racing the way no other race can do. A huge 4.2 miles awaits the 34 runners, which includes jumping 30 fences before the long run to the finish line. Huge numbers will bet on the race that don’t usually watch or bet on horse racing; such is the appeal this famous race holds in the sporting psyche of people all over the world.
With that in mind, below we have selected some Grand National betting tips and insights that may prove useful for those trying to find a horse to bet on ahead of the race on April 11th.
- Focus on Proven Stayers:
- Analyse Recent Festival Performances:
- Look for Progressive Handicap Horses:
- Trainer Targeting:
- Each-Way Betting Strategy:
The Grand National is a marathon of 4 miles 2 furlongs, which means that when you are looking at the Grand National runners ahead of this year’s race, it is important to find one that is going to stay. Previous experience over the Aintree fences is not as vital as one might expect, with 7 of the first 10 home in the 2025 Grand National making their debut over the Aintree fences.
While it is hard to find proven 4-mile runners unless they have form in the race itself, form over 3 miles is vital for those of you following the Grand National betting odds. Last year’s winner Nick Rockett had won over 3 miles before his Aintree success, winning both the BobbyJo and Thyestes Chase in Ireland.
With that in mind, when looking at the 2026 Grand National betting odds, keep an eye out for horses with experience jumping fences and running well over 3 miles.
Although not the only judge, some horses that have run at major spring meetings also show up at the Grand National. Horses such as Corach Rambler, who won the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham, or Noble Yeats, who also ran in the Ultima before the Grand National, have shown that a prep run at a major festival before Aintree can bring success. Tiger Roll, one of the most popular National winners in modern times, also ran and won at Cheltenham before both his Grand National triumphs. In fact, to highlight the importance of a recent run, nearly all of the recent winners of the race had run within a couple of months of lining up for the National, with 6 of the last 7 either running or winning at Cheltenham or at the BobbyJo Chase in Fairyhouse.
Since the changes to the Grand National fences in 2013, the standard of horses competing in the showpiece has improved beyond recognition. There are now many more well-known horses taking part, which makes our job as punters that bit easier, as we know much more about the form and abilities of many of the horses. Of the last 10 winners, only Tiger Roll has been more than a second-season chaser, with last year’s winner Nick Rockett being another example of a progressive chaser who had won both the BobbyJo and the Thyestes Chase before landing the big one.
The Grand National has also become a race where some of the runners even improve further. Corach Rambler, winner in 2023, finished 3rd in the 2024 Gold Cup, while Noble Yeats, winner in 2022, went on to finish 4th in the following Gold Cup. As has been said, these classy, mostly unexposed chasers are much more well known to punters, meaning that the race has become somewhat more predictable than in the past, when older, more experienced jumpers tended to emerge victorious. Of the last 5 winners, 2 have been favourites, while 2021 winner Minella Times was in the top 5 in the Grand National betting odds. The trend of younger horses winning the race is also highlighted by the fact that since 2014, the oldest horse to win the race is 9. Noble Yeats even won in 2022 as a first-season chaser aged 7.
Keep an eye out for horses from trainers who appear to have targeted their horse with a tilt at the Grand National in mind. They can do this by running their contenders over hurdles earlier in the season to protect their handicap mark so that it does not go too high in the weights come Grand National time.
Trainers might also have specific races that they like running their Grand National horses in preparation for a run at Aintree. Trainers like Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, recent Grand National-winning trainers, often use the BobbyJo Chase in Fairyhouse or the Irish Grand National as prep for the Aintree showpiece, with top Mullins contender Grangeclare West winning this year's BobbyJo from another likely runner, Gerri Colombe from Gordon Elliott.
Trainers in Britain usually target the Grand National trial in Haydock, the Becher Chase in Aintree, or the Scottish Grand National at Ayr with their National horses. Some of the longer chases at Cheltenham are also a viable option for many Grand National horses. Races such as the cross country or the Ultima Handicap chase are races to keep an eye on for future Grand National types.
When looking for a possible horse to have a bet on, look out to see if the horse has any history with any of these races before tackling the Grand National.
Given the huge number of people that bet on the Grand National compared to other races, each-way betting is an extremely popular market. The large number of runners and competitive nature of the race create ideal betting conditions for those that like an each-way bet with extended place terms offered by betting companies for the race.
Each-way betting can reduce the risk for those betting on the race, given the fact that you are betting on a placed finish also with an each-way stake. The extended place terms offered mean a horse can finish anywhere up to 5th or 6th with some sportsbooks, giving punters more chances of claiming some kind of success in the race.
Favourites and horses in the top 5 of the betting may have a good recent record in the race, but in each of the last 5 renewals, a horse priced at odds of 29.00 or higher has finished in the top 6 places, allowing each-way punters the chance to win.
How Are Our Grand National Betting Tips Selected
Picking the Aintree Grand National winner can be a difficult thing to do given the number of runners and class of many in the field these days, but there are certain trends and statistics that might be able to help us narrow down a likely winner of the 2026 race.
- Age:
- Horse Weight:
- Class Ratings:
- Distance & Jumping Ability:
When looking at trying to suggest possible Grand National tips, it is important to look at the ages of the respective runners in the field. Since 2015, every winner of the famous race has been between 7 and 9 years old, with Noble Yeats at 7 winning the 2022 race. Interestingly, Noble Yeats is the only 7-year-old since 1940 to win the race, with the recent winners being either 8 or 9.
These days going into the race with some form behind the horse is absolutely crucial. Last year’s winner Nick Rockett had run and won before going to Aintree, while the likes of Corach Rambler had also won at Cheltenham before embarking on his Aintree journey. In all, the last 11 winners of the race had run at least 3 times leading into the race, with all but 2 of them picking up a win before Aintree.
The Grand National is a handicap chase, which means each horse is handicapped with a weight that gives the horse a chance of winning the race based on their form and ability. Since the year 2000, all but Many Clouds in 2015 and the 2025 winner Nick Rockett have won the race carrying a weight between 10st 3lb and 11st 6lb.
Trainers have started targeting classier horses at the big race in recent years. Since 2010, winners of the Grand National have been rated between 137 and 167. The 2024 winner, I Am Maximus, is officially the best-rated horse in this year’s race with a rating of 168.
The mammoth 4.2-mile marathon that is the Grand National is a massive test for any jockey-horse combination, so keeping an eye out for horses with form over a distance is a must. 9 of the last 12 winners had won a race over 3 miles, so follow the horses that have the form over a distance.
Grand National Predictions
Sportsbooks for Betting on the Grand National
Betting on the Grand National offers more choices than any other race during the year. Different bookmakers offer varying place terms, odds, specials and more in the countdown to the big race. Punters should consider the best betting sites for their needs, then make an informed choice. Before you decide, have a look at these options and our bookmaker reviews.
Boylesports
Boylesports is a titan of the Irish bookmaking market, and new customers can avail of their Bet 10 Get 30 in Free Bets offer. They offer lots of daily specials on horse racing across Britain and Ireland, and are already offering FIVE places each-way on the Grand National at Aintree. Find out more about Boylesports in our detailed boylesports review.
Directionbet
DirectionBet has become synonymous with offering punters some of the most competitive odds on huge sporting events, such as the Grand National.
New customers to the site can expect a hefty welcome bonus also. Register with DirectionBet, and you will receive a welcome offer of a 100% matched bet to the value of €100 when you enter the code WELCOME100.
Visit our DirectionBet review page to find out more.
Lunubet
Lunubet is another reliable live betting site for Grand National betting. As well as extensive Grand National betting lines, they offer sports fans access to up to 40 different sports and thousands of betting markets.
Sign up to Lunubet, and you can take advantage of their 100% first deposit matched bet, up to the value of €200.
For further information about the site and their latest offers and promotions, check out our Lunubet review page.
Scored Sports
Scored Sports is one of the newer betting sites to make its mark on horse racing in Ireland. The site covers all of the major horse racing festivals, including the Aintree Grand National festival, offering bettors competitive odds as we look forward to this year’s race.
To claim their generous welcome bonus, simply sign up and take advantage of their 100% first deposit matched bet offer up to the value of €250.
For more information on Scored Sports, check out our Scored Sports Review page.
Aintree Racecourse Key Facts
Aintree is one of the world's most iconic jumps racecourses and a proud beacon of sporting tradition in the city of Liverpool. The triangular-shaped circuit boasts a circumference of two miles and two furlongs, with a long run-in of 494 yards after the final fence. Some of the famous obstacles on the National Course include Becher's Brook, The Chair, Foinavon and The Canal Turn – names synonymous with the Grand National. The Grand National is run over two complete circuits, taking in sixteen spruce fences the first time round and fourteen the second, and still provides one of the toughest tests ever devised for horse and rider. Over the years, the race has been modified to uphold the highest standards of safety for both humans and horses. While the Grand National fences are no longer as daunting as they once were, their spruce-lined tops remain a unique feature of Aintree, making them instantly recognisable to a global television audience. This prestigious race is broadcast to billions of viewers around the world each year.
Randox Grand National Event Schedule
Below are the times and races of the 2026 Aintree Grand National festival.
Opening Day - Thursday 9th April 2026
Day 2 - Ladies Day - Friday 10th April 2026
Day 3 - Grand National Day - Saturday 11th April 2026
The biggest race of the festival, the Randox Grand National Steeple Chase, is a true test of stamina and skill. Run over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs with 30 fences to navigate, it’s a race that has made and broken punters in Ireland for generations.
Grand National Jockey & Trainer Statistics
Home to the world-famous Grand National, Aintree's three-day April Festival is one of the highlights in the National Hunt horse racing calendar, which stands second only to Cheltenham in terms of importance in the UK. There are also major meetings held at the Liverpool layout in November and December, as well as a final evening meeting in May.
Below is a list of the top trainers and jockeys at Aintree (all meetings) over the last five seasons.
Top Jockeys and Trainers
Certain trainers and jockeys excel at some tracks more than others. If you are looking to have a Grand National flutter, you may opt to consider which trainers and jockeys do best at the course in recent years.
BetInIreland’s Wrap-Up
Without doubt, picking the winner of the Aintree Grand National is ncredibly difficult but exciting thing to do. It is therefore important to always study the form of the race and the key trends that the race offers up, as well as all of the relevant statistics. Be sure to also pay attention to any Grand National betting tips you may hear from respected sources. Then, check out our recommended Grand National betting tips whilst also locating the best free bet promotions and Grand National betting offers we have suggested in this Grand National betting guide.
GRAND NATIONAL BETTING FAQS
What is an Ante-post bet on the Grand National?
Ante-post bets on the Grand National are those placed well in advance of the race happening, typically anything before final declarations, which are made 48 hours before the race. If you bet ante-post and your horse does not run in the race, the bet is settled as a loser.
Where can I watch the Grand National 2026 in Ireland?
The Grand National will be shown live on Virgin Media television in Ireland, broadcasting the same terrestrial ITV Racing coverage as is shown in the UK. The race can also be viewed on subscription channel Racing TV.
What are the best bookmakers for betting on the Grand National in Ireland?
There are lots of betting options for punters to consider ahead of the Grand National. It's important to be well informed and choose the best bookmaker, assessing the various racing offers and sign-up bonuses before choosing what is best for your Aintree betting needs.
What is the Aintree Festival all about?
Aintree's big spring festival provides three days of stunning jumps racing, all of which leads to the centrepiece, the Grand National itself on Saturday afternoon. The race is referred to as The People's Race and draws together punters like no other sporting event.
How to pick the winner of the Grand National
There are many ways to pick the winner, but using past trends is the most efficient, as age, weight, form, rating, and previous form can help to greatly reduce the field of 34 Aintree hopefuls down to just a few that fit the criteria of a possible Grand National winner.
Liam Lacey
Liam is a sportswriter from County Laois in Ireland who specializes in delivering content on GAA and Football matters (though he does see himself as somewhat of a tennis aficionado also!). Liam has written about All Ireland Gaelic Football and Hurling Championships, Premier League, Champions League and International Football offering expert opinion and match previews and predictions. Occasionally even getting some right!