The Aintree Grand National Festival in April is the second-biggest betting event of the year for Irish punters, with the Grand National itself the single most bet-on race globally. The three-day festival runs from Thursday to Saturday.
Thursday: Becher Chase Day
The festival opens with the Manifesto Novices’ Chase and the Maghull Novices’ Chase. The card includes several high-quality National Hunt races and is a full day of competitive betting. Irish trainers typically send strong teams to the Aintree Festival.
Friday: Mildmay Day
Friday is highlighted by the Melling Chase and the Liverpool Hurdle. Grade 1 racing fills the card with championship-level competition. This is a strong betting day with well-established form horses competing.
Saturday: Grand National Day
The Grand National is run on Saturday afternoon over 4 miles 2.5 furlongs with 30 fences. Fields of up to 40 runners make this the most chaotic and unpredictable race of the year — and one of the most bet-on. GRAI-licensed bookmakers open ante-post markets months in advance and carry extensive in-play markets on the day.
Irish-trained horses have won the Grand National many times and Irish owners and trainers dominate the ante-post market most years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grand National Week: Key Races & Markets
| Race | Day | Distance | Key Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aintree Hurdle | Thursday | 2m4f | Champion Hurdle consolation |
| Melling Chase | Thursday | 2m4f | Grade 1 two-mile chase |
| Betway Bowl | Thursday | 3m1f | Gold Cup trial |
| Topham Chase | Friday | 2m5f | Cross-country style |
| Grand National | Saturday | 4m2½f | Outright & each-way (5 places) |
Grand National Betting: EW Terms & Tips
- Grand National each-way terms: 1/4 odds, first 5 places (some books offer 6–7)
- Field size capped at 40 runners – always check market movers from Thursday
- Ante-post market opens months ahead; non-runners do not trigger Rule 4 in ante-post
- Top weights carry 11st 10lb; novices with low weights historically outperform
Aintree Grand National Festival: Day-by-Day Guide
| Day | Key Race | Distance | Betting Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday - Day 1 | Manifesto Novices Chase | 2m4f Grade 1 | Premier novice chase |
| Friday - Ladies Day | Aintree Hurdle | 2m4f Grade 1 | Quality hurdlers |
| Friday | Mildmay Novices Chase | 3m1f Grade 1 | Stayers novice form |
| Saturday - Grand National Day | Grand National | 4m2f handicap | Most famous horse race in the world |
The Grand National is a 4m2f handicap over 30 fences at Aintree. With fields of 40 runners, it is statistically the hardest race to win in UK/Irish racing. Each-way is essential - bookmakers offer 1/5 odds, 5-8 places on the National. Each-way value often exists at prices of 20/1-40/1 for well-handicapped runners with strong Cheltenham form. Irish trainers (Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott) have excellent modern records. 18+. No pronostic is guaranteed.
The Aintree Grand National Festival takes place in April, typically the first or second weekend. The Grand National itself is on the Saturday.
The Grand National course has 30 fences over two circuits of approximately 2 miles 2.5 furlongs. The race is approximately 4 miles 2.5 furlongs in total.
Many GRAI-licensed bookmakers offer non-runner money back (NRMB) or similar offers for the Grand National. Check the terms and conditions of your chosen operator.
Yes. GRAI-licensed bookmakers carry in-play markets for the Grand National. Given the chaotic nature of the race, in-play odds can move dramatically at the early fences.