With Saturday, 11 April 2026 now marked in red on calendars, the nation is gearing up for Aintree’s legendary spectacle, with many betting on the Grand National 2026 favourites. Already, the early rumour mill is in full swing, with Haiti Couleurs, an 8‑year‑old Irish contender trained by Rebecca Curtis, and former champion I Am Maximus, poised for another shot, topping ante-post betting at 16/1 and 25/1 respectively.

Reinforced Rivalries & Rising Stars

The sporting narrative is heating up:

• I Am Maximus, fresh from a second-place finish in 2025, is expected back in form.

• Jagwar, tipped after a strong 2025 Cheltenham win, is being touted as a real contender, with odds around 25/1.

• Dark horses like Iroko, who came fourth in 2025, are being backed by punters betting on experience—he’s currently about 25/1.

• Meanwhile, Dancing City, moving quietly through the ranks with impressive hydraulic stamina displays in spring 2025, has caught the eye as a high-value 40/1 longshot.

Betting Talk & Safety Signals

Odds aside, two ongoing debates dominate:

Safety and course modifications: At just 34 runners—a change enforced in 2024—and strategic fence adjustments, including moving the first obstacle back 60 yards, organisers have tweaked structures to balance tradition with welfare.

Irish dominance: Trainers like Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott continue to influence the race significantly, sparking conversation about limiting entries per yard.

Race-Day Buzz

Tickets and hospitality packages are selling fast. Stand-alone Grand National Day packages currently start around £1,139 per person.

The race weekend remains synonymous with spectacle—fashion, live music, fine-dining, and horse-power thrills.

ITV continues as the free-to-air broadcaster until 2026, ensuring that millions across the UK can watch every jump live.

Why the Excitement?

From the roar of the 150,000+ crowd in grandstands to the 600 million watching globally, this race embodies tradition, drama, and raw emotion. The public is already placing ante-post bets, speculating on safe favourites versus surprises, all against a backdrop of course changes and evolving welfare standards.

As April 2026 approaches, the Grand National is more than a steeplechase—it’s a unifying British phenomenon. Whether you’re betting on Haiti Couleurs or Iroko, planning to soak in the festivities at Aintree, or watching by the telly with a pint in hand, one thing’s for sure: hearts will pound, engines will thunder, and legends will be forged.