2026 Grand National Festival Race Schedule
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
The 2026 Grand National Festival is set to start on Thursday the 26th of April. With the official handicap weights for the RANDOX Grand National confirmed, we want to show you the schedule for the 2026 grand national. Along with sharing a map of the entire course.
Before we get into the Grand National Festival race schedule, we still have some final hospitality availability for the Festival. It’s a dream meeting for racing fans and the perfect opportunity to entertain clients, host friends, or simply enjoy an unforgettable day at Aintree. If you’re looking to experience one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar in style, now is the last chance to secure your place.
Opening Day (Liverpool’s Day) - Thursday 9th April
Opening Day at the Grand National Festival, often known as Liverpool’s Day sets the tone for three incredible days of racing at Aintree Racecourse.
There’s a real sense of anticipation in the air as the Festival gets underway. For racing enthusiasts, this is often considered the best day of the meeting. Slightly more relaxed, a little less crowded, and fully focused on the racing itself.
Gates Open: 11am
Start Time | Race | Distance |
1:45pm | THE BOODLES ANNIVERSARY 4-Y-O JUVENILE HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1)(Grade1) | 2m 4f |
2:20pm | THE WILLIAM HILL MANIFESTO NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1)(Grade1) | 2m 1f |
2:55pm | THE AINTREE BOWL STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 1) (GBB RACE) | 3m 1f |
3:30pm | THE WILLIAM HILL AINTREE HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 1) (GBB RACE) | 2m 4f |
4:05pm | THE RANDOX FOXHUNTERS’ OPEN HUNTERS’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) | 2m 5f |
4:40pm | THE CLOSE BROTHERS RED RUM HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREM HANDICAP) | 2m |
5:15pm | THE GOFFS NICKEL COIN MARES’ STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 2) | 2m 1f |
Ladies Day - Friday 10th April
Ladies Day at the Grand National Festival is where world-class racing meets fashion and a vibrant social atmosphere. Known for its style, colour and energy, Friday brings a bigger crowd and an electric feel across the course.
While the racing remains elite, Ladies Day is just as much about the occasion. Bold outfits, champagne receptions and buzzing hospitality suites, it’s a day built around celebration. Expect competitive fields, thrilling finishes and a fantastic balance of sport and spectacle as the Festival builds towards its iconic finale.
Gates Open: 10:30am
Start Time | Race | Distance |
1:45pm | THE WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) | 3m 1f |
2:20pm | THE WILLIAM HILL MILDMAY NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) | 2m 4f |
2:55pm | THE TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 1) | 2m 1/2f |
3:30pm | THE JCB MELLING STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 1) | 2m 4f |
4:05pm | THE RANDOX TOPHAM HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) | 2m 5f |
4:40pm | THE ODDSCHECKER SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 1) | 3m |
5:15pm | THE DEBENHAMS HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2) (CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ AND AMATEUR RIDERS’ RACE) | 2m 1/2f |
RANDOX Grand National Day - Saturday 11th April
Grand National Day is the pinnacle of the Festival and one of the biggest sporting occasions in the British calendar. The anticipation builds throughout the afternoon before the world’s most famous steeplechase the RANDOX Grand National at Aintree Racecourse.
With packed grandstands, an incredible atmosphere and the drama of the RANDOX Grand National itself, it’s a day that captures national and international attention.
Gates Open: 10am
Start Time | Race | Distance |
12:45pm | THE HALLGARTEN AND NOVUM WINES MAGHULL NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) | 2m |
1:20pm | THE WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) | 3m 1/2f |
1:55pm | THE TURNERS MERSEY NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) | 2m 4f |
2:30pm | THE WILLIAM HILL FREEBOOTER HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) | 3m 1f |
3:05pm | THE LIVERPOOL HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1)3m 1/2 | 3m 1/2f |
4:00pm | THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) | 4m 2 1/2f |
5:00pm | THE WEATHERBYS NHSTALLIONS.CO.UK STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 1) (GRADE 2) | 2m 1 |
Distance Key
In UK horse racing, distances are traditionally measured in miles and furlongs, with one mile equal to eight furlongs and each furlong measuring 220 yards.
Example: 3m 2f
1 Furlong (f) = 220 yards
1 Mile (m) = 8 furlongs
What it means:
3m = 3 miles (24 furlongs)
2f = 2 furlongs (440 yards)
3m 2f =
3 miles
Plus 2 furlongs
Total of 26 furlongs
Aintree Racecourse Map
(Click to Expand the Aintree Racecourse Map)
