The curtain has officially risen on the 2026 Grand National Festival at Aintree, and what a start it’s been! Despite a blustery Merseyside morning with grey clouds rolling overhead, the energy at the racecourse was electric as fans and fashionistas poured through the gates, setting the stage for three days of world-class racing and high style. The opening day, Thursday, April 9, delivered not only a feast of top-tier equestrian action but also a parade of bold outfits, as attendees braved the weather to showcase their finest looks. For many, this festival is as much about sartorial statements as it is about the thundering hooves on the turf.
But let’s not bury the lead—on the track, the action was relentless from the first flag drop. Seven races packed the schedule, including four prestigious Grade 1 contests, ensuring that every hour brought a fresh dose of drama. The Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle kicked things off at 1:45pm, and it was Mange Tout who stormed home at 5/1 odds, edging out Selma De Vary and Indian River in a tightly fought finish. This set the tone for an afternoon where favorites and outsiders alike had their moments in the Aintree spotlight.
The Manifesto Novices’ Chase at 2:20pm, another Grade 1, saw Koktail Divin justify his 3/1 price tag with a commanding performance. Blueking d’Oroux ran a brave race to finish second at long odds of 22/1, while Mambonumberfive rounded out the top three. The consensus among tipsters had been that this race was a tough one to call, but Koktail Divin’s power and stamina shone through, particularly on Aintree’s flatter track—a point noted in several pre-race analyses.
As the afternoon progressed, the Racing Welfare Bowl Chase brought more Grade 1 glory. Jango Baie, the even-money favorite, lived up to his billing with a consistent and professional display. Protektorat finished second at 5/1, with Pic D’Orhy coming in third. Jango Baie’s victory was widely expected, given his strong showing in the Gold Cup earlier in the season and a profile marked by reliability and class.
The 3:30pm Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase was a highlight for many, as amateur riders took on Aintree’s legendary spruce fences. Barton Snow, sent off at 7/4, delivered a performance that left little doubt, finishing ahead of Lets Go Champ and Take All. The Foxhunters’ is always a crowd-pleaser, and this year’s edition didn’t disappoint—Barton Snow’s jumping was a cut above, and his stamina held strong down the famous run-in.
Then came the day’s marquee event: the Aintree Hurdle at 4:05pm. Brighterdaysahead, a 13/8 favorite, was simply too good for the rest, outpacing The New Lion and confirming the form she’d shown throughout the season. According to pre-race analysis, “her defeat of Lossiemouth in the Irish Champion and her 31-length demolition of State Man et al at Leopardstown last season are head and shoulders above what any of her rivals have achieved.” That class was on full display as she powered up the straight, much to the delight of her connections and backers.
The handicaps provided their own share of thrills. At 4:40pm, Ryan’s Rocket landed the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase at a juicy 14/1, holding off Highlands Legacy and Sans Bruit, the latter having been fancied for a third consecutive win in this race. The final contest, the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2), saw Nans Choice take the spoils at 9/2, with Lennon Grove and Fairy Park filling the places. The day’s racing concluded at 5:15pm, but the buzz around Aintree was far from over.
Off the track, the biggest story was the dramatic withdrawal of last year’s Grand National winner, Nick Rockett. The Willie Mullins-trained star, who had triumphed in 2025 under Patrick Mullins, was set to attempt a rare back-to-back victory but was declared a non-runner after being reported to be coughing. Mullins’ son Patrick had already opted to ride Grangeclare West, last year’s third-placed finisher, for the 2026 edition. Tom Bellamy was due to take the reins on Nick Rockett, but the horse’s health concerns ended that possibility. As a result, the first reserve, Pied Piper—trained by three-time Grand National winner Gordon Elliott—was offered a spot in the 34-runner field. However, fate intervened again as Pied Piper was found to be lame on Thursday and did not take up the option. Imperial Saint, trained by Philip Hobbs & Johnson White, filled the vacancy, while Amirite, from Henry de Bromhead’s yard, became the last runner after Spillane’s Tower was withdrawn post-Aintree Bowl.
This shuffle at the top of the market means I Am Maximus, last year’s runner-up and the 2024 champion, now carries the mantle of 7-1 favorite for Saturday’s Grand National. Paul Townend will be aboard for the third consecutive year, aiming to become the first top-weight winner since Red Rum’s historic triumph in 1974. The Mullins stable remains a dominant force, with eight runners still in the field and the chance to match Vincent O’Brien’s record of three consecutive Grand National wins from the 1950s. As the BBC reported, “Townend finished second to 33-1 chance Nick Rockett in last year’s race, when Mullins horses claimed the first three positions.” The anticipation is palpable as fans look ahead to Saturday’s showpiece at 16:00 BST.
While the racing action dominated headlines, the social side of the festival was in full swing. Reporters on the ground captured the first arrivals, noting that “the festival marks the start of three exciting days of world-renowned racing at Aintree Racecourse. For many, however, the real highlight is the fashion.” Despite the wind and the threat of rain, attendees brought their A-game, turning the racecourse into a runway of vibrant colors, daring prints, and statement hats. The Liverpool ECHO was quick to spotlight some of the most glamorous early arrivals, and the mood among the crowd was buoyant. As one observer put it, “Strong winds and grey clouds haven’t dampened spirits at one of Liverpool’s biggest social events of the year.”
For punters and fans, the festival also features a £/€25,000 prize in Paddy’s Eliminator Racing Game, adding another layer of excitement to an already action-packed program. With two more days of racing still to come—including the world-famous Grand National itself—the sense of anticipation is only building.
As the sun set on Aintree’s opening day, the festival had already delivered unforgettable moments, bold fashion, and a shake-up in the Grand National field. With the stage set for further drama, all eyes now turn to Friday’s card and the looming spectacle of Saturday’s big race. The 2026 Grand National Festival is off and running—hold onto your hats, because there’s plenty more to come!