The Grand National returns to Aintree Racecourse on Saturday 11 April 2026 for another edition of the world’s most famous steeplechase. With an estimated 600 million viewers tuning in globally and around £300 million wagered in the UK alone, it stands as the pinnacle of the National Hunt racing calendar.

This page focuses on early ante-post odds available at bet365, one of the UK’s leading bookmakers, alongside the promotions, race history, and betting guidance you need to find value before the tapes go up.

At BonusCodePoker, we compare bet365 Grand National offers to help you make informed decisions—we’re an affiliate platform, not an operator. Check back regularly on this page for refreshed bet365 odds and promotions as the race approaches in April 2026.

Don’t miss out on early odds or special bet365 Grand National promotions—act quickly to secure the best value before they’re gone.

Early bet365 Grand National 2026 odds & key takeaways

As we enter early 2026, ante-post markets for the Grand National are already active at bet365. Based on current form and trainer reputations, here are some illustrative market principals to watch (note that all odds are subject to rapid change):

Horse	Trainer	Approximate Ante-Post Odds
Iroko	O.Greenall & J.Guerriero	~8/1
Haiti Couleurs	Rebecca Curtis	~14/1
I Am Maximus	Willie Mullins	~12/1
Captain Cody	Willie Mullins	~20/1
Grangeclare West	Willie Mullins	~20/1
Panic Attack	D.Skelton	~20/1

These horse racing odds reflect winter form, but expect significant movement once the official weights are announced in late February 2026. Prep runs at Cheltenham or in spring trials like the Irish Grand National will also shift the market considerably.

The dominance of Irish trainers—particularly Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott—continues to shape the betting. Eight of the last ten Grand National winners have been trained in Ireland, a trend that shows no sign of slowing down.

Key tip: Ante-post betting can lock in value before race-day convergence, but carries the risk of losing your stake if your horse doesn’t run. Monitor the market closely and check back here for updated bet365 odds throughout the season.

Best bet365 Grand National 2026 sign-up offer

New UK and Irish customers looking to bet on the Grand National can typically claim a welcome offer at bet365. The standard promotion at the time of writing follows a “Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets” structure—though you must verify the exact live offer and general terms directly on the bet365 website before signing up. You must also meet all terms and conditions to qualify for the promotion.

THIS OFFER MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IF YOU JOIN TO PLACE A BET ON THE DAY OF THE GRAND NATIONAL! – As such it is better to join well before the day of the race!

How to claim the bet365 welcome offer

1. Create a new account at bet365 using a valid registration
2. Make your first deposit (minimum usually £5–£10, depending on current terms)
3. Place qualifying bets at min odds (often 1/5 or 1/2+) on any market, including Grand National ante-post
4. Once your qualifying bet settles, receive your bet credits
5. Use your bet credits stake on the Grand National or other events

Key restrictions to note

• 18+ only – gambling is for adults only
• UK/ROI eligibility – offer typically limited to these countries
• Payment method exclusions apply – some e-wallets and payment methods may not qualify
• Time limits – bet credits usually expire within 30 days
• Returns exclude bet credits stake – only winnings are paid as cash

You can use your bet credits on Grand National win or each way bet markets, but bet credits normally cannot be withdrawn directly—they must be wagered first. Full bonus T&Cs should be checked on bet365 before you sign up; eligibility and terms can change at any time.

bet365 Grand National existing customer offers & features

Once you have an account, bet365 historically enhances Grand National betting with a range of promotions and horse racing features. Players can take advantage of these offers and features to enhance their Grand National betting experience. Here’s what existing customers typically find available:

Bet Boosts

Selected runners may receive enhanced odds on Grand National day. For instance, a fancied horse priced at 12/1 might be boosted to 14/1 for a limited time. These boosts appear on the bet365 website and app—check the promotions page on race morning.

Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB)

Closer to the race (usually from late February or March), bet365 typically offers NRNB on the Grand National. This means your stake is refunded if your selection does not run—a significant advantage in a 40-runner handicap where withdrawals are common. This offer can change the risk profile of ante-post betting substantially.

Best Odds Guaranteed

For UK and Irish racing, bet365 often pays at the bigger price if the SP exceeds the early price you took. This typically applies from a set time on race day rather than ante-post markets, so always check the terms.

Each Way Extra & Extended Place Terms

On Grand National Saturday, bet365 frequently offers enhanced each-way terms—paying out on 6 to 8 places at 1/5 odds rather than the standard 4 places. This significantly increases your chance of a return, especially on longer-priced selections. The exact place terms for 2026 will be confirmed closer to the race.

Bet responsibly and never chase losses. These offers add value but should be used within your limits.

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How to bet on the Grand National with bet365

Placing a Grand National bet with bet365 is straightforward whether you’re using desktop or the mobile app.

Step-by-step guide

1. Log in to your bet365 account (or register if you’re a new customer)
2. Navigate to Horse Racing > Aintree > Grand National
3. Select your chosen horse from the list of runners
4. Choose Win or Each-Way from the betting options
5. Enter your stake in the bet slip
6. Review your selections and click Place Bet

Understanding each-way betting

An each way bet splits your stake into two parts: one on your horse to win, and one on it to place (typically in the first 4–8 positions, depending on bet365’s terms). For example, a £5 each-way bet costs £10 total (£5 win + £5 place). If your horse finishes in the places but doesn’t win, you receive the place portion at reduced odds (usually 1/5 of the win odds).

Additional Grand National markets

Beyond win and each-way, bet365 offers several other events and markets:

• Place-only bets – back a horse just to finish in the places
• Without-the-favourite – betting excluding the market leader
• Match bets – head-to-head wagers between two horses
• Specials – markets on finishing position ranges, nationality of winner, etc.

Always check your betting slip carefully before confirming—verify the odds, each-way toggle, stake size, and place terms. Odds can change quickly in the minutes leading up to the off.

You can track your bet via My Bets on the app, and partial Cash Out may be available on certain Grand National markets, subject to bet365’s settlement policies.

bet365 Grand National 2026 ante-post markets

Ante-post betting means placing your bet weeks or months before race day, usually at bigger odds than you’ll find on the morning of the race. The trade-off is risk: if your horse doesn’t run (due to injury, change of plans, or failure to make the final field), you lose your stake unless NRNB is in place.

How ante-post odds develop

bet365 typically prices the Grand National market from late spring the previous year, with odds adjusting based on:

• Major staying chases (Scottish Grand National, Irish Grand National, Ladbrokes Trophy)
• Cheltenham Festival handicap performances
• Official weights announcement (late February 2026)
• Trainer declarations and target changes

Categories of ante-post fancies for 2026

Category	Examples
Previous Aintree winners/placed horses	Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus
Irish marathon chasers	Grangeclare West, Panic Attack
Improving second-season chasers	Emerging stayers from Mullins/Elliott yards
Horses proven over 3m+ on soft ground	Any runner with staying handicap form

Weight trends to watch

Many recent winners have carried between 10st 5lb and 11st 6lb. The official handicap announcement in late February 2026 usually triggers significant ante-post market moves, so this is a key date to monitor.

Consumer warning: Ante-post betting carries volatility. Horses may be re-routed to Cheltenham or other targets, sidelined by injury, or fail to make the final 30 runner field under BHA safety limits. When bet365 switches to NRNB terms (usually a few weeks before the race), the risk profile changes considerably—watch for this announcement.

Grand National Course at Aintree & famous fences

The Randox Grand National is run over Aintree’s unique Grand National Course near Liverpool, covering approximately 4 miles and 2½ furlongs with two complete laps and 30 fences. It’s the ultimate test of stamina, jumping ability, and race craft for any staying chaser.

Course layout

The first circuit features 16 fences, while the second lap covers 14 (The Chair and Water Jump are only jumped once). Two long runs—from the last fence to the Elbow and from the Elbow to the winning post—create dramatic finishes where tired horses can be caught or champions assert their class.

Iconic obstacles

Fence	Description
Becher’s Brook (6/22)	Perhaps the most famous jump in racing, featuring a drop on the landing side. Levelled somewhat in 2011 but still claims victims due to its 4ft 10in height and sharp right-hand turn after landing.
The Chair (15)	The tallest fence on the course at 5ft 2in with a 6-foot ditch. Only jumped once, it tests nerve as the single open ditch visible to crowds.
Canal Turn (8/24)	Requires a sweeping 90-degree left-hand turn immediately after jumping—notorious for causing early attrition in the race.
Valentine’s Brook (9/25)	Another brook fence demanding precision and courage.
Foinavon (7/23)	Named after the 1967 100/1 winner; site of the famous pile-up that year.
Water Jump (16)	Only jumped once, near the grandstands on the first circuit.

Safety modifications

Since 2012–2013, fence modifications have introduced more forgiving cores, levelled landings, and smaller drops to improve horse welfare while preserving the race’s unique character. Field sizes have been reduced from 40 to 34 starters in some years, and the start position has been adjusted now to 30 for better safety for horses and jockeys.

Ground conditions

Early April typically produces soft to good-to-soft ground at Aintree, though conditions can range from heavy (favouring extreme stayers) to good (suiting more galloping types). The going description on race week significantly affects which horses perform best.

Famous Grand National winners & races

The Grand National has been run since 1839 and has produced some of the most celebrated horses and extraordinary stories in racing history.

Roll of honour—legendary winners

• Red Rum (1973, 1974, 1977) – The only three-time winner, trained by Ginger McCain. His 1973 victory saw him overhaul Crisp in the final strides in one of racing’s greatest finishes.
• Aldaniti (1981) – The fairy-tale comeback win with jockey Bob Champion, who had recovered from cancer. A story that transcended sport.
• Mr Frisk (1990) – Set the record fastest time on unusually firm ground—a record that stood for decades.
• Monty’s Pass (2003) – A major gamble landed for connections, backed heavily from 40/1 to 16/1.
• Hedgehunter (2005) – Willie Mullins’ first National winner, ridden by Ruby Walsh.
• Many Clouds (2015) – Won by 12 lengths under Leighton Aspell despite atrocious ground conditions, starting at 25/1.
• Tiger Roll (2018, 2019) – The modern dual winner, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Russell. Weight penalties controversially prevented a tilt at a third consecutive win.
• Noble Yeats (2022) – A 7-year-old winner at 50/1 under amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen in his final ride.
• Nick Rockett (2025) – Last year's surprise winner.

Dramatic races in history

1967 – The Foinavon pile-up: A loose horse caused chaos at the 23rd fence, bringing down or impeding 28 of 44 runners. The 100/1 outsider Foinavon swept wide and claimed an improbable victory—the fence now bears his name (discover how modern Bet Builder+ betting at bet365 Sport can help you craft your own longshot bets).

1993 – The void race: A false start led to confusion, and the race was declared void after many runners completed the course unaware. There was no official winner—a unique event in Grand National history.

1997 – The Monday National: A bomb scare forced evacuation of the course on Saturday, and the race was postponed until the following Monday. Lord Gyllene won under Tony Dobbin in an atmosphere of relief and celebration.

These narratives contribute to the Grand National’s status as a cultural event that captivates millions who may place their only bet of the year on this race.

Last year’s Grand National winner (2025) & what it means for 2026

The 2024 Grand National was won by I Am Maximus (7/1), trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend. The winner surged late to prevail by 7 lengths in a reduced field on good-to-soft ground—a tactical masterclass that exploited cleaner passages created by fence modifications.

Following the 2024 result, I Am Maximus emerged as a leading contender for a repeat bid, though in the end fell short with Nick Rockett the 2025 winner. Weight penalties will influence both previous winners 2026 odds. Horses who finished placed or were badly hampered may offer value if the handicapper treats them leniently.

Look for the 2024 and 2025 winners and placed horses to feature prominently in early bet365 ante-post markets for 2026. We’ll update this section with the correct result, winning distance, going, and market impact as soon as the 2025 race is complete.

Trends to watch:

• Irish-trained horses have dominated recently (8 of last 10 winners)
• Winning ages typically range from 8–10 years old
• Starting prices averaging around 25/1 suggest value exists beyond the obvious market leaders

Grand National history & key stats

The first recognised Grand National took place in 1839 at Aintree, with a horse named Lottery claiming victory. The race has been cancelled or relocated only in exceptional circumstances—during World War periods, and the 1997 rescheduling due to a bomb scare.

Key statistics for bettors

Stat	Detail
Field size	Up to 30 runners
Age of recent winners	Mainly 8–10 years old
Weight of recent winners	Typically 10st 5lb – 11st 6lb
Favourite win rate	Low—favourites win infrequently
Irish-trained winners (last 10 years)	8 out of 10
Completion rate	Historically around 40–50%

Modern-era considerations

Changes since 2013—including reduced field caps, fence modifications, and an earlier race time—have subtly shifted trends. Modern-era statistics (2013 onwards) are more relevant than historic data when analysing the race.

Recent winners often have Official Ratings (OR) in the 146–160 range, giving you a rough target profile when scanning the bet365 card.

While trends are informative, the race remains notoriously unpredictable. No statistical angle guarantees success in a 4-mile handicap with dozens of runners and 30 challenging fences.

Grand National 2026 betting strategy with bet365

At BonusCodePoker, we don’t offer tips as financial advice, but we can suggest sensible frameworks for analysing the race and using bet365 markets effectively.

Strategic considerations

1. Focus on proven stayers – Look for horses with form over 3m4f or further in staying chases
2. Prioritise solid jumpers – Previous Aintree or big-field chase experience is valuable
3. Check the handicap – Pay close attention to allocated weights after the February 2026 announcement
4. Consider ground preferences – Match horses to likely early-April conditions

Combining ante-post and race-day betting

Take early prices on one or two strong fancies to lock in value, but leave room in your budget for additional bets once ground conditions and final declarations are known. This balanced approach gives you the advantage of both early value and late information.

Using each-way terms intelligently

• Back solid, shorter-priced contenders for the win portion
• Use bigger-priced, reliable jumpers each-way to take advantage of extended places
• Check bet365’s place terms on the day—they often pay on 6+ places

Bankroll management

• Set a fixed Grand National budget before the meeting
• Spread stakes across 2–4 selections rather than backing many horses blindly
• Avoid chasing after early-day losses on the undercard
• Use bet calculators to understand potential returns from each-way and multiple bets

Watching the Grand National with bet365 – live streaming & in-play tools

bet365 typically provides live streaming of Aintree’s Grand National meeting for eligible customers, allowing you to watch the action alongside your betting activity.

Streaming requirements

To access live streaming, you generally must:

• Be logged into your bet365 account
• Have a funded account, or
• Have placed a qualifying bet in the last 24 hours

Verify the current policy directly on bet365 in 2026, as requirements can change.

In-play and race-day features

For the Grand National itself, in-play betting is generally limited due to the race’s nature—it unfolds too quickly over 4 miles for extensive live markets. However, live odds may fluctuate in the minutes before the off as money arrives on the leading fancies.

Supporting features include:

• Live race commentary
• Racecard information with silks and numbers
• Cash Out availability on some pre-race positions (where offered)

Streaming availability

Live streaming can be subject to location and broadcasting rights. Some users in certain countries may need to watch via terrestrial TV (ITV in the UK) instead. Spain, Italy, and other prohibited territories may have different access restrictions.

Grand National 2026 FAQ

When is the 2026 Grand National?

The 2026 Grand National is scheduled for Saturday 11 April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool. The race usually goes off in the mid-afternoon (around 5:15pm UK time historically, though the official off-time will be confirmed closer to the date).

How many runners are allowed in the Grand National?

The current safety limit allows for 34–40 runners, subject to BHA rules for 2026. More horses can be entered at the five-day declaration stage, with a ballot determining the final field if entries exceed the limit. Reserve runners may take places if others are withdrawn.

What types of bets can I place on the Grand National at bet365?

bet365 offers win bets, each-way bets, place-only bets, without-the-favourite markets, and various specials on the Grand National. You can also find match bets between selected runners and markets on finishing position ranges.

How do bet365 each-way terms work on the Grand National?

The industry minimum is typically 4 places at 1/4 or 1/5 odds, but bet365 often pays on more places for the Grand National (e.g., 6+ places at 1/5 odds). Always check the exact 2026 terms on bet365’s website on race day, as these can vary.

Can I use my bet365 welcome offer on the Grand National?

Qualifying bets and bet credits can typically be used on horse racing, including the Grand National. However, all qualifying conditions, min odds requirements, and payment method exclusions must be checked first. Bet credits stake is not included in returns.

Is betting on the Grand National safe and regulated?

bet365 is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and other EU regulators, making it a safe and regulated platform for UK customers. Users must be 18+ and are encouraged to use safer gambling tools like deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options. Please play responsibly.

Will this page be updated with the latest Grand National odds?

Yes. BonusCodePoker will refresh ante-post prices, runner updates, trends, and offer details regularly through to race day in April 2026. Bookmark this page and return throughout the National Hunt season for the latest information.

How do I withdraw my winnings from bet365?

To withdraw your winnings from bet365, log in to your account, go to the ‘Bank' or ‘Withdraw' section, and select your preferred withdrawal method (such as debit card, bank transfer, or e-wallet). Withdrawal times vary: debit card and bank transfers usually take 1–5 working days, while e-wallets can be instant or within 24 hours. Always check bet365 for the latest withdrawal options and processing times.

Check back for updated bet365 Grand National 2026 odds & offers

The Grand National remains the headline betting event of the UK jumps season. With approximately 40 runners tackling 30 fences over 4 miles, it offers unmatched drama and betting opportunities. bet365 will be a key destination for competitive odds, generous each-way terms, and live streaming on the day.

Bookmark this page and return throughout the 2025–26 National Hunt season for:

• Updated ante-post prices
• Confirmed 2026 Grand National runners and weights
• The latest bet365 promotions and offers
• Race previews and analysis

All odds and offers mentioned are subject to change, availability, and eligibility. Always check live information directly on bet365 before placing your bets.

Gamble responsibly. Enjoy Grand National day within your limits and use the safer gambling tools provided by licensed operators. If gambling stops being fun, visit BeGambleAware.org for support.

18+ only. New customers only where applicable. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.