The Grand National is the number one betting event in the UK. Our guide has everything you need before the field lines up on April 11 – the three-day line-up, our early Grand National tips, the latest odds, key trends, must-know stats and expert insights to help shape your selections. You’ll also find a rundown of the best bookies to use, so you can be fully prepared for the Aintree spectacular.
- 1 Grand National Betting Tips
- 2 Grand National Betting Odds
- 3 How We Select Our Grand National Tips
- 4 Best Grand National Betting Sites
- 5 Most Popular Grand National Betting Markets
- 6 Grand National Racecard
- 7 Grand National Racing Trends & Stats
- 8 Aintree Racecourse Tips
- 9 Upcoming Horse Racing Events
- 10 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 11 Grand National FAQs
Grand National Betting Tips
Ultimately, there will be 21 races during Aintree’s main meeting, run over three days. For now, only entries for the big race have been confirmed, with 78 nominations, dropping to 34 at final declaration time, and we’re providing some early selections. These aren’t simply a beginner’s guide to backing horses, they are our well-researched Grand National top tips.
All Roads Lead to Myretown
Trained by a stable responsible for two Grand National winners in the last eight years, Myretown is made for this test. An improving nine-year-old, he has all the attributes and should have won the three-mile, two-furlong Peter Marsh Chase in January, but for one mistake. He is a very well handicapped staying chaser.
Doing Handstands at Aintree
At seven years old, Handstands is on the younger side for a National contender as you’ll see from our trends, but he is an emerging force and really needs a good, long trip. He rates well among our tips for the Grand National.
Here’s Johnnywho
JP McManus’ nine-year-old Johnnywho has been placed second over three miles, two furlongs at Cheltenham, and was also fifth in an Irish Grand National. He’s a valid part of our Grand National tips and predictions.
Grand National Betting Odds
Among the 78 initial entries for the big race, these are the main players and their Grand National odds from our best horse racing bookies.
| Horse | Ante-Post Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Iroko | 7/1 | bet365 |
| I Am Maximus | 12/1 | William Hill |
| Haiti Couleurs | 16/1 | bet365 |
| Panic Attack | 20/1 | Unibet |
| Monty’s Star | 25/1 | Betfred |
| Captain Cody | 25/1 | BetVictor |
| Grangeclare West | 25/1 | BetMGM |
| Nick Rockett | 25/1 | William Hill |
| Now Is The Hour | 33/1 | Betway |
| Spillane’s Tower | 33/1 | BetVictor |
| Myretown | 33/1 | William Hill |
| Oscars Brother | 33/1 | bet365 |
| Jordans | 40/1 | Betfred |
| Deep Cave | 50/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Spanish Harlem | 50/1 | bet365 |
| Gentleman’s Game | 50/1 | Betway |
| Western Fold | 50/1 | Betfred |
| Firefox | 50/1 | BetMGM |
| Banbridge | 50/1 | William Hill |
| Johnnywho | 50/1 | bet365 |
INFO
The Grand National latest odds are a good guide, but they will change over the coming weeks. Bookmark us and check back for more information.
How We Select Our Grand National Tips
When picking out our Grand National betting tips, we use a combination of data and good, solid horse racing knowledge. Here’s what we’re looking for to create Grand National runners tips.
A horse’s ability is always important, even in a handicap. We want to know where the horse stands at this point in its career, with official published ratings helping us out.
Our Grand National tips Saturday, April 11, will be heavily based on the handicap. Ability is one thing, but the better horses must carry more weight. We assess this, and try to find horses we believe are well handicapped in the conditions.
A horse’s profile means bringing together breeding, past form, recent form, age, injuries/operations and more. We assess the whole, not only certain parts.
Once we know the horse’s form, ability and handicap rating, we look to see whether they are improving, remain consistent, or are even regressing. Horses don’t run to the same standard every time.
Some trainers are better than others, or at the very least, they get to handle the better horses. Jockeys too are of differing standards, and they add the final touches to the racing plan.
Even when the overall profile of a horse is ideal, we may deem them to be not so good over the extreme distance of the Grand National. It takes a certain horse to stay four and a quarter mile at Aintree.
We need to be satisfied that our choses horses will handle Aintree, specifically the Grand National Course. Their past form will tell us this.
Known as “the going”, underfoot conditions play a huge part. Some horses like softer ground, while others prefer what we call “top of the ground”, i.e., faster conditions.
Best Grand National Betting Sites
These are some of our very best online bookies with which to back our Grand National 2026 tips.
Mobile Exclusive: Bet £10 Get £40 18+. Play Safe. Online only. For new UK register customers using promo code G40. Deposit & place £10 cash single bet (min odds 1/2) on sportsbook (excl. Virtuals). Get £40 in Free Bets (4x£10), valid for sportsbook (excl. Virtuals), 7 days expiry, must use in full (£10 each). Not valid with deposits via PayPal, Neosurf, Paysafe, Apple Pay, NETELLER, Skrill, ecoPayz, Kalibra/Postpay or WH PLUS Card. One per customer. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods(11):
Bet £10 & Get £30 18+. Registration Required. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Funded account or place a bet to qualify. Geo location and live streaming rules apply. Time limits and Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods(10):
Bet £5 Get £30 in Free Bets 18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stake not returned). Restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods(8):
Bet £5 Get £30 in Free Bets 18+ New UK + ROI customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £/€5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stakes not returned). Restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods(7):
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets 18+ New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods(10):
100% up to £50 Welcome Bonus 18+ New players. Choose bonus at signup. Wager bonus 10x. Any withdrawals void bonus. Valid 30 days. Deposit used 1st. Odds, bet & payment limits. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets 18+ New customers: Deposit £10+ within 7 days and place a sports bet. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders & 2 x £10 Sports Bet). Valid 7 days. Min odds apply. Excludes virtual sports, esports and non-UK/IE horse racing. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods(10):
Bet £20, Get £40 in Free Bets 18+ New UK customers. Min £20 first deposit. Place a bet of £20 at min odds of 2/1 (3.0) and get £40 in Free Bets within 48 hours. Restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods(6):
Up to £30 Matched Free Bet if your First Acca Loses + 100 Free Spins + £30 Uber Eats Voucher 18+ New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Earn a £30 Uber Eats Voucher on successful Acca qualification. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days from the new account being registered. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods(5):
Horse Racing: Bet £10 Get £30 18+ New customers only. Opt in, deposit & bet £10 or more on any Horse Racing market at minimum 1/1 odds within 7 days of registration. No cash out. Get £30 in Free Horse Racing Bets, selected markets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
William Hill’s link to the National puts them on top
Gary Christie: William Hill is our top bookie for the Grand National. A strong choice of ours within horse racing anyway, they are now the official betting partner of the race, so we’re hoping for some great offers, bet boosts and promos.
Most Popular Grand National Betting Markets
You’ve seen some of our Grand National ante post tips by now, but what are the best betting markets? There isn’t too much in the way of spread betting in the Grand National, but we’ve highlighted the most popular bet types for you.
Traditionally, you get better odds betting ante-post. Lots of horses will drop out or not qualify though, meaning a non-runner-no bet deal is preferred.
The vast majority of Grand National tips focus on the main markets on the day – win and each-way. Wins bets are obvious – if your horse wins, so do you. For an each-way wager, you place two bets – ‘win and place’. This costs double, but it means if your horse doesn’t win, but is placed, you win that portion of the bet. There are four official places in the National, but many bookies will offer five, six or even more.
With a race being run over four and a quarter mile, it’s good to perhaps let it start and see how things are going before placing a bet. Live, in-running betting is extremely popular on the Grand National.
You can try to up your winnings by betting on the first two or first three past the post in the correct order. These are forecasts and tricasts. It’s not easy, but the returns in the Grand National are high.
Grand National Racecard
The full schedule at Aintree is yet to be announced. Seven races per day is the norm, with the Grand National going off on Saturday, April 11. We will have full National runners and odds as soon as they are available. Here’s how the week should pan out.
Opening Day – Thursday 9 April 2026
| Race | Distance | Class/Age | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manifesto Novices’ Chase | 2m4f | Grade 1, 5yo+ | Mildmay |
| 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle | 2m1f | Grade 1, 4yo | Mildmay |
| Aintree Bowl Chase | 3m1f | Grade 1, 5yo+ | Mildmay |
| Aintree Hurdle | 2m4f | Grade 1, 4yo+ | Mildmay |
| Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase | 2m5f | Class 2, 6yo+ | Grand National |
| Red Rum Handicap Chase | 2m | Class 1, 5yo+ | Mildmay |
| Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race | 2m1f | Grade 2, 4-6yo | Mildmay |
Ladies Day – Friday 10 April 2026
| Race | Distance | Class/Age | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mildmay Novices’ Chase | 3m1f | Grade 1, 5yo+ | Mildmay |
| Premier Handicap Hurdle | 2m4f | Class 1, 4yo+ | Mildmay |
| Top Novices’ Hurdle | 2m½f | Grade 1, 4yo+ | Mildmay |
| Melling Chase | 2m4f | Grade 1, 5yo+ | Mildmay |
| Topham Handicap Chase | 2m5f | Class 1, 5yo+ | Grand National |
| Sefton Novices’ Hurdle | 3m½f | Grade 1, 4yo+ | Mildmay |
| Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys) | 2m½f | Class 2, 4yo+ | Mildmay |
Grand National Day – Saturday 11 April 2026
| Race | Distance | Class/Age | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Handicap Hurdle | 3m½f | Class 1, 4yo+ | Mildmay |
| Mersey Novices’ Hurdle | 2m4f | Grade 1, 4yo+ | Mildmay |
| Freebooter Handicap Chase | 3m1f | Class 1, 5yo+ | Mildmay |
| Liverpool Hurdle | 3m½f | Grade 1, 4yo+ | Mildmay |
| Grand National Handicap Chase | 4m2½f | Class 1, 7yo+ | Grand National |
| Maghull Novices’ Chase | 2m | Grade 1, 5yo+ | Mildmay |
| Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race | 2m1f | Grade 2, 4-6yo | Mildmay |
Look at our Aintree Racecourse tips below for details on the two different courses.
Grand National Racing Trends & Stats
Many people search for previous Grand National winners’ odds before placing their bets, but there are more trends than that to keep in mind.
-
All the last 10 Grand National winners (100%) previously ran in at least 8 chase races.
-
All the last 10 Grand National winners (100%) had previously won or placed over three miles+.
-
9 of the last 10 Grand National winners (90%) were aged 8 or 9.
-
9 of the last 10 winners (90%) carried 10st 7lbs or more (median weight 10st 12lbs).
-
7 of the last 10 winners (70%) were priced at 10/1 or higher (average SP 20/1, median SP 13/1).
-
7 of the last 10 winners (70%) previously won a chase over at least three miles and one furlong.
-
6 of the last 10 winners (60%) carried less than 11st.
-
6 of the last 10 winners (60%) won their previous start.
-
5 of the last 10 winners (50%) had their previous start at the Cheltenham Festival.
-
Only 3 of the last 10 winners (30%) were favourite, or joint-favourite.
Keep a check on the latest results, as the Cheltenham Festival has been a great prep for Grand National winners.
Aintree Racecourse Tips
We partially base our Grand National tips on how well we believe horses can handle Aintree. In fact, there are two courses at Aintree, the Grand National course, and the Mildmay course.
The Grand National course is triangular in its shape, the furthest point from the stands being the apex Canal Turn, a famous point during the big race. The Mildmay course is a little easier, but both tracks do have larger than normal fences, which puts jumping at a premium, though they aren’t as harsh as they once were.
Horses take two complete circuits in the Grand National, and once the jumping is done, there is a long, 500-yard run-in from the final fence, taking in the “elbow”, a rail to run around before aiming for the line. Aintree can be very testing, despite being flat in nature, and horses need a good rhythm. Those no longer still on the bridle leaving the back straight are highly unlikely to get home.
Recent Grand National Results
The last ten heroes. These are the Grand National results over the past decade.
| Year | Winning Horse | Odds | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Nick Rockett | 33/1 | Patrick Mullins | Willie Mullins |
| 2024 | I Am Maximus | 7/1JF | Paul Townend | Willie Mullins |
| 2023 | Corach Rambler | 8/1F | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell |
| 2022 | Noble Yeats | 50/1 | Sam Waley-Cohen | Emmet Mullins |
| 2021 | Minella Times | 11/1 | Rachael Blackmore | Henry de Bromhead |
| 2020 | Cancelled | |||
| 2019 | Tiger Roll | 4/1F | Davy Russell | Gordon Elliott |
| 2018 | Tiger Roll | 10/1 | Davy Russell | Gordon Elliott |
| 2017 | One For Arthur | 14/1 | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell |
| 2016 | Rule The World | 33/1 | David Mullins | Mouse Morris |
| 2015 | Many Clouds | 25/1 | Leighton Aspell | Oliver Sherwood |
Upcoming Horse Racing Events
No upcoming events.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
From the ante-post Grand National runners and tips to the latest odds and insights into how the race is run. We’ve got your back for the big event on April 11. Make the most of sign-up deals with free bets where you can, as betting on the Grand National is tough. Remember to bookmark this page and check regularly for our updated info on the race.
Grand National FAQs
bet365, Ladbrokes and the well-established brands are great for Grand National betting. William Hill is the official partner and may have some better offers as a result.
Grand National betting odds at William Hill and bet365 are strong, but our Grand National tips will point you in the right direction.
You come right to us regarding tips for Grand National Festival races. Bookmark the page, and come back regularly.
Yes. Some bookmakers will offer this separately, while others offer free sports bets which can be used on horses racing.
Yes, all our major betting partners have odds listed for the 2026 Grand National.
The Grand National Festival is staged over three days, Thursday April 9 to Saturday April 11. The Grand National itself is run on the final day.
The 2026 Grand National start time has not yet been confirmed. The 2025 race went off at 4pm.
Nick Rockett won the 2025 Grand National at 33/1 for trainer Willie Mullins.