Grand National Festival 2026 – Day Three Preview

The Grand National Festival reaches its spectacular conclusion on Saturday, 11 April, with a seven-race card headlined by the world’s most famous steeplechase, the Randox Grand National at 16:00.

The final day features three Grade 1 contests, two Premier Handicaps and a Grade 2 bumper, providing a fitting finale to one of the highlights of the National Hunt season. With confirmed runners and markets taking shape, attention turns to the favourites, returning champions and standout contenders set to define the closing chapter of the festival.

12:45 – Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

The day begins with the Maghull Novices’ Chase, a high-class two-mile Grade 1 that regularly attracts the leading novice chasers from the Arkle division. Last year’s renewal was won by Kalif Du Berlais, trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden.

The 2026 edition is expected to feature another tightly contested market, with the favourite Salvator Mundi currently leading the way at 11/8, as Paul Townend looks to gain another win on Aintree soil. He is followed by the likes of Kala Conti and Mighty Bandit, who are both floating around 9/2 to win the race.

13:20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)

The William Hill Handicap Hurdle is one of the most competitive races of the entire meeting, attracting a large field of well-handicapped contenders. The 2025 renewal was won by Deep Cave at odds of 28/1, highlighting the race’s unpredictable nature.

Early betting for 2026 is headed by Dan Skelton’s Supremely West, priced at around 5/1, with a cluster of closely matched rivals behind.

13:55 – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

Run over two miles and four furlongs, the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle provides a platform for the season’s most promising staying novice hurdlers. Often featuring runners from the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, this Grade 1 rewards stamina and tactical speed.

The market is currently led by another of Dan Skelton’s horses, Bossman Jack at 11/4, followed by Ballyfad at 5/1. Winners of the Mersey frequently go on to become leading performers in the staying hurdle division.

14:30 – William Hill Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

Run over 19 fences, the William Hill Handicap Chase presents a demanding test and serves as a key supporting event ahead of the Grand National. With a large and competitive field, the race usually favours experienced chasers with proven stamina and sound jumping credentials.

The betting is wide open, with Mr Hope Street currently leading the way at odds of 5/1. He is followed by seven horses priced at 12/1 or under, highlighting the open nature of this Premier Handicap and the depth of quality on display.

15:05 – Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1)

The Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle is the premier staying hurdle of the meeting, run over three miles and featuring many of the top long-distance hurdlers in training. The 2025 renewal was won by Hiddenvalley Lake, trained by Henry de Bromhead and ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe.

The 2026 iteration is headed by Wodooh, currently the market favourite at 2/1. Horses arriving from the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham have an excellent record in this race, with the likes of Honesty Policy and Nicky Henderson’s Impose Toi looking to continue that trend.

16:00 – Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

The centrepiece of the festival is the Randox Grand National, run over four miles and two and a half furlongs across Aintree’s legendary fences. As the most famous steeplechase in the world, it remains the ultimate test for horses, jockeys and trainers.

The 2026 renewal features a full field of 34 runners and is headed in the betting by I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend. He is closely followed by leading contenders such as Grangeclare West, who finished third in last year’s race, and Nick Rockett, the defending champion from 2025. Other prominent runners include Panic Attack and Britain’s main hope Iroko, both of whom bring strong staying credentials into the contest.

Recent renewals have been dominated by Irish-trained runners, with Willie Mullins in particular enjoying remarkable success. Horses aged between eight and ten with proven stamina over extended distances continue to fit the modern profile of a Grand National winner. With a clear favourite and a high-quality field, the 2026 edition promises to be another enthralling chapter in racing history.

17:00 – Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2)

The festival concludes with a Grade 2 bumper, offering a glimpse of future stars of the National Hunt scene. Typically dominated by powerful stables such as Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Paul Nicholls, this race often features well-bred and highly regarded prospects.

The favourite is currently Harry Cobden’s Bass Hunter, who is floating around the 5/2 mark, with Diamant Dore and Low Kick stabilising at around 7/2.

Day Three Takeaways

Grand National Day delivers a fitting climax to the Aintree Festival, blending elite Grade 1 contests with fiercely competitive handicaps and the sport’s most iconic race. The Maghull, Mersey and Liverpool Hurdle showcase the very best of novice and staying talent, while the Premier Handicaps provide depth and intrigue throughout the afternoon. Ultimately, however, all eyes will be on the Randox Grand National, where champions are crowned and history is made.

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