Festival guide · April

Grand National 2027: Dates, Races, Winners and Betting Guide

Three days at Aintree, finishing with the most famous steeplechase in the world. Here are the 2027 dates, the big races, recent winners, the history and how to bet on the National.

The Grand National Festival illustration

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2027 dates
Thu 8 to Sat 10 April
Where
Aintree, Liverpool
Big race
Grand National, Saturday
Prize fund
£1m (2026)

The festival day by day

Grade 1 action every day, with the National itself on Saturday.

Thursday

Opening Day

  • Aintree Bowl, Aintree Hurdle, Manifesto Novices’ Chase
  • Red Rum Handicap Chase
Friday

Ladies Day

  • Melling Chase, Mildmay Novices’ Chase, Sefton Novices’ Hurdle
  • Topham Chase over the National fences
Saturday

Grand National Day

  • Grand National (about 4m 2½f, 34 runners max)
  • Maghull, Mersey and Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1s)

Recent Grand National winners

Willie Mullins trained all three of the most recent winners.

Year Grand National Jockey Trainer
2026 I Am Maximus (9/2 fav) Paul Townend Willie Mullins
2025 Nick Rockett (33/1) Patrick Mullins Willie Mullins
2024 I Am Maximus Paul Townend Willie Mullins

The Grand National Festival facts and history

Since 1839. The race was first run in 1839 as the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase.
Red Rum’s three. Red Rum is the only three-time winner (1973, 1974, 1977). In 2026 I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to win it back.
Smaller fields. The maximum field was cut from 40 to 34 in 2024. The record field was 66, in 1929.
Trainers’ record. Willie Mullins and Ginger McCain share the trainers’ record with four wins each.

Betting on the Grand National

Each-way place terms

For the National, many bookmakers pay out on extra places. For the 2026 race, Sky Bet offered 7 places, most major firms offered 6, and some offered 5. Terms change every year, so check the app on the day.

See which bookies pay the most Grand National places.

Going to the races?

You can bet on course with the bookmakers in the ring and on the pool, or on your phone. Read our course guide for Wi-Fi, cash machines and how to get there, and our guide to betting at the racecourse.

Which app should you use for the Grand National?

Compare UK racing apps by their real App Store, Google Play and Trustpilot ratings.

Compare the apps

the Grand National FAQs

When is the 2027 Grand National?

The 2027 Grand National is on Saturday 10 April 2027, the last day of the festival, which runs from Thursday 8 April.

Who won the 2026 Grand National?

I Am Maximus won the 2026 Grand National at 9/2 favourite, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins.

How long is the Grand National?

The Grand National is run over about 4 miles 2½ furlongs (4m 514y).

How many runners are in the Grand National?

The maximum field is 34 runners, cut from 40 in 2024.

How much is the Grand National worth?

The 2026 Grand National was worth £1m, with £500,000 to the winner.

Sources: Jockey Club: festivals · Wikipedia: Grand National · Wikipedia: 2026 Grand National · Oddschecker: 2026 place terms. Facts checked October 2026; dates and race details can change, so check with the racecourse before you go.

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