What date and time is the 2026 Grand National?
Last Updated 20 Mar 2026 | By The GrandNational.org.uk StaffThe Grand National 2026 will start at 4pm on Saturday 11th April.
The Grand National race takes centre stage at Aintree every April, but there are actually three days of elite jumps racing across the duration of the Grand National Festival. The 2026 Grand National times and schedule follow a similar format to last year, after the decision to move the big race to earlier on Saturday afternoon.
Grand National start times, dates and race day programs
The Grand National 2026 will start at 4pm on Saturday 11th April. The post time had been 5.15pm in recent years, but the big race will still air live on ITV1. The Grand National runners will not be fully confirmed until a couple of days before the race starts.
The Grand National Festival’s highlight is undoubtedly the 34-runner showpiece, but there are a host of top races spread across three days at Aintree each April. The 2026 Aintree Grand National meeting kicks off on Thursday 9th April. The start time for the first race is 1.45pm, with ITV1 broadcasting the biggest races, and many leading bookmakers also providing free streaming options.
The action continues over the three-day event, with Ladies Day on Friday and Grand National Saturday providing the pinnacle of the meeting.
As the Aintree gates open around 11am on Thursday, 10.30am on Friday and 10am on Saturday, racegoers will have plenty of time to get into the course before the first race. With bars and restaurants open all day, plus corporate boxes and suites offering lunch before the racing starts, many racegoers will flock to the track early to make the most of their day.
The track will also have other entertainment going on so, if you’re attending the 2026 Grand National meeting on any of the three days, be sure to explore. Generally, there are shops and stalls onsite that will sell racing fashion items or racing memorabilia like pictures or books.
Also look out for competitions dotted around the track – for example, ‘Best Dressed Lady’, Best ‘Dressed Man’, or ‘Best Dressed Couple’. There can often be some decent sponsors prizes for the winners, like cash or even a car!
Here are the confirmed start times and details for each race over the three days, to help you plan your Grand National viewing.
How can you live stream the 2026 Grand National?
There are an abundance of options available to watch the Grand National live. You will be able to watch the race live on many betting sites, including bet365 and Paddy Power. Most betting sites will require you to place a bet on the race in order to watch it live. You can also watch the Grand National via ITVX. All you need to do to live stream on ITVX is create an account.
How many horses are in the 2026 Grand National?
The list of Grand National Runners will be narrowed down in the build-up to the race, with a maximum of 34 horses eventually taking part.
Grand National Opening Day – Thursday 9th April 2026
| Grand National Start Times | Watch | Race | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:45pm | Watch at Paddy Power | Boodles Juvenile Hurdle | 2m 4f |
| 2:20pm | Watch at Unibet | Manifesto Novices’ Chase | 2m 1f |
| 2:55pm | Watch at William Hill | Aintree Bowl | 3m 1f |
| 3:30pm | Watch at Betfair | Foxhunters’ Chase | 2m 5f |
| 4:05pm | Watch at Unibet | Aintree Hurdle | 2m 4f |
| 4:40pm | Watch at William Hill | Red Rum Chase | 2m |
| 5:15pm | Watch at Paddy Power | Mares’ NH Flat Race | 2m 1f |
Grand National Ladies Day – Friday 10th April 2026
| Grand National Start Times | Watch | Race | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:45pm | Watch at William Hill | William Hill Handicap Hurdle | 3m 1f |
| 2:20pm | Watch at Paddy Power | Mildmay Novices’ Chase | 2m 4f |
| 2:55pm | Watch at Betfair | Top Novices’ Hurdle | 2m ½f |
| 3:30pm | Watch at Betfair | Melling Chase | 2m 4f |
| 4:05pm | Watch at William Hill | Topham Chase | 2m 5f |
| 4:40pm | Watch at Paddy Power | Sefton Novices’ Hurdle | 3m ½f |
| 5:15pm | Watch at Paddy Power | Debenhams Hurdle | 2m ½f |
Grand National Day – Saturday 11th April 2026
The start times for Grand National Day 2026 are now confirmed. The Grand National itself will begin earlier than in recent years, at 4pm.
| Grand National Start Times | Watch | Race | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:45pm | Watch at William Hill | Maghull Chase | 2m |
| 1:20pm | Watch at William Hill | William Hill Hurdle | 3m ½f |
| 1:55pm | Watch at Paddy Power | Mersey Novices’ Hurdle | 2m 4f |
| 2:30pm | Watch at Unibet | William Hill Handicap Chase | 3m 1f |
| 3:05pm | Watch at Betfair | Liverpool Hurdle | 3m ½f |
| 4:00pm | Watch at William Hill | Grand National | 4m 2½f |
| 5:00pm | Watch at Unibet | Weatherbys NH Flat Race | 2m 1f |
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Grand National 2026 Start Times FAQs
When is the Grand National 2026?
The 2026 Grand National is on the 11th April 2026. Aside from the main race, the Grand National festival begins a couple of days earlier on Thursday 9rd April 2026 and ends on the 10th April 2026.
When time does the 2026 Grand National start?
The Grand National Steeple Chase, which is the main event at the festival, is currently scheduled to start at 4pm on Saturday 11th April. The last two winners – I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett – are both amongst the current favourites.
How long is the Grand National?
The Grand National is around 494 yards, which is 4 miles, 2 furlongs and around 74 yards. This makes it a very long race and one which can have many changes in the running order throughout.
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The GrandNational.org.uk Staff
