Before we get to the big day, let’s talk about the week leading up to it. The Grand National Festival actually kicks off on Thursday, 9th April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse. Thursday is Ladies’ Day, where attendees compete to wear the most outrageous hats—think a feathered flamingo or a fascinator shaped like a horse’s head. I’m not making this up; I’ve seen it.
Then, on Friday, 10th April 2026, you’ve got the Topham Chase and the big Friday card. It’s like the appetiser before the main course. By Saturday, everyone’s nerves are jangling, the horses are primed, and your uncle “Baz” has already given you his “guaranteed winner” (spoiler: it’s never a winner).
What Makes Saturday So Special?
The Grand National itself is a race unlike any other—a four-and-a-half-mile slog over 30 fences, including the infamous Becher’s Brook and The Chair. It’s like a marathon with hurdles, but with a lot more mud, sweat, and cheering. The race starts at around 5:15 PM BST (check your local time if you’re not in the UK—I don’t want you waking up at 3 AM for nothing).
But honestly, the magic of the day isn’t just the race itself. It’s the moment when 40 horses thunder down to the first fence, and every single person in the pub holds their breath. It’s the only time you’ll see grown adults cry over a horse they’ve never met, named “Some Random Name” that they only picked because it sounded like a pub lunch.
Grand National 2026: I Am Maximus lands historic win at Aintree
