The stage is set at Aintree for one of the most anticipated weeks in the world of horse racing, as the 177th edition of the Grand National Festival gallops into action. With the festival officially underway as of Thursday, April 9, 2026, excitement is palpable among racing fans, punters, and trainers alike. Seven races a day are lighting up the famous Liverpool course, leading up to the showpiece Grand National itself, scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at 4pm.
While the festival is rich with tradition and drama, this year’s narrative is already shaping up to be one of surprises, potential upsets, and a fair share of emotional moments. The final field for the Grand National is still being confirmed, with 34 runners expected to line up at the famous start. Among the hopefuls, Top Of The Bill is drawing particular attention, not as a favourite, but as a first-time runner with a real shot at springing a shock.
Top Of The Bill, trained by the father-son duo Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies and owned by Charles C Walker, secured his place in the Grand National field by finishing a strong second in the Grand National Trial at Haydock. He was just behind Grand Geste in that stamina-sapping contest, a performance that has seen his odds shorten among those seeking each-way value. While bookmakers, including William Hill, still list him as a longshot, his proven stamina and steady improvement have made him a talking point for those searching for a big-priced contender. As William Hill News noted in their profile: "Has bags of stamina and could be considered an each-way longshot."
The Grand National Festival itself is a feast for racing aficionados, with a packed schedule that includes top-level contests like the Mildmay Chase, Melling Chase, and the Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase. Day 1 delivered plenty of drama and set the tone for what’s to come. The Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race, a Grade 2 contest over 2 miles 1 furlong, closed out the opening day with Nan’s Choice storming home at 9/2, followed by Lennon Grove and Fairy Park. The field of 20 runners was led in the betting by the unbeaten Princess Day from Jeremy Scott’s yard, but she finished back in the pack, leaving punters scratching their heads and looking for clues for the days ahead.
Elsewhere on the card, the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase provided a thrilling finish as Ryan’s Rocket, a 14/1 shot, came from the back of the field to snatch victory. Highland’s Legacy and Sans Bruit filled the minor placings, with the latter having looked likely to make all until fading late. Trainer Fergal O’Brien and jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jr. were among those celebrating, as the race delivered another reminder of how unpredictable Aintree can be.
One of the most emotional stories of the day came in the Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase, where Barton Snow completed a remarkable double, having already won at Cheltenham last month. Trainer Joe O’Shea, who recently recovered from triple bypass heart surgery, was visibly moved after the race. "We don’t know how good he is! Every morning he does what you’ve just seen. He’s amazing!" he told ITV Racing, before joking about the toll the sport takes on him. Barton Snow’s commanding victory left fans wondering just how high this nine-year-old could climb in the coming months.
On the hurdle track, Brighterdaysahead shone brightest, claiming the Aintree Hurdle and securing her fifth Grade 1 victory. Jockey Jack Kennedy was effusive in his praise, telling ITV Racing: "I adore this mare! She’s a great mare obviously lost nothing in defeat in the Champion Hurdle, beaten by another superstar. So it’s lovely for her to come here and get the job done." Trainer Gordon Elliott, too, was full of admiration: "She’s a champion. She was second in the Champion Hurdle, she ran her heart out she ran a great race but this [2m4f] is probably her trip. She was awesome. It was kind of easy to watch, you know. Nervous, but easy to watch." Elliott also revealed plans to send Brighterdaysahead chasing next season, a move that’s been on the cards for two years but was delayed due to a minor injury.
The Aintree Bowl Chase was not without drama, as Jango Baie justified favouritism with a commanding win, backing up his Gold Cup and King George VI form. However, the race was overshadowed by a heavy fall for Impaire Et Passe at the second last. Thankfully, both horse and jockey walked away, much to the relief of all present. Nico De Boinville, who had earlier been unseated from Lulamba, bounced back to take the Bowl on Jango Baie and was quick to credit the team behind the horse: "All in all I’m absolutely delighted with Jango. I mean he’s comeback - Henry Main who rides him every day said that he was in great order. I think he sort of put to bed that stat that you go to the [Cheltenham] Gold Cup, don’t come here. But absolutely delighted with him!"
As always, the going at Aintree is a hot topic. With light showers and diligent watering, the course is officially rated "Good to Soft"—a surface that should suit most of the field, though it always leaves room for late surprises. Betting markets have been lively, with notable gambles on horses like Barton Snow and late market moves on outsiders in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase. Two of Nicky Henderson’s big hopes, Lulamba and Jango Baie, saw their prices drift slightly, indicating a lack of total confidence from the betting public despite their strong credentials.
Meanwhile, the Grand National picture is still evolving. I Am Maximus holds the favourite’s tag, but last year’s winner Nick Rockett is a surprise absentee, opening the door for reserve runner Pied Piper—though he, too, was withdrawn after being found lame. The reserve system ensures the field remains at 34, maintaining the race’s competitive edge and ensuring punters have plenty to ponder ahead of the big day.
Looking ahead, there’s plenty more action to enjoy at Aintree. The Mildmay and Melling Chases promise fierce battles, with Heart Wood and Grey Dawning among the headline acts. The build-up to Saturday’s Grand National is sure to intensify, with trainers, jockeys, and owners all dreaming of etching their names into racing folklore. For now, though, all eyes remain on the runners, the markets, and the ever-changing Aintree weather, as the festival continues to deliver its unique blend of drama, emotion, and sporting excellence.
With so many storylines already unfolding and the main event still to come, the 2026 Grand National Festival is shaping up to be one for the ages. Whether you’re cheering for the favourites or searching for a shock success like Top Of The Bill, the road to Saturday’s big race is paved with intrigue and excitement. Stay tuned—Aintree always has one more surprise in store.