Best Grand National 2026 betting offers and free bets worth up to £140

Best Grand National 2026 betting offers and free bets

Looking for the best Grand National betting offers? The 2026 Grand National takes place at 4pm today and we've put together a list of the Aintree free bets and betting offers for you to claim ahead of the biggest jumps race of the season.

Whether you want to bet on the Grand National online, compare betting sites, or claim the latest free bet offers, you can get up to £140 in betting offers from selected bookmakers during the festival.

How to bet on the 2026 Grand National

Wondering how to bet on the Grand National? Here’s a simple guide:

1. Choose a bookmaker and sign up 
2. Deposit the minimum amount (usually £5–£10) 
3. Place a qualifying bet at the required odds 
4. Use your free bets on any Grand National Festival race 
5. Withdraw winnings once bets settle

You can place a bet on the Grand National online in minutes, either on betting sites or via mobile apps.

At the Racing Post, we have rounded up all of the best Grand National free bets and betting offers in one place. 

Grand National Festival 2026 preview

There are several Grade 1s on the final day of the three-day meeting, but the Randox Grand National is the main event and all eyes will be on the showpiece race. 

A full field of 34 will line up in the £1million race, which has been won by Mullins in each of the last two years with I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett. Both horses are likely to be part of the yard’s strong squad for the race, and they are prominent in the betting at this stage. 

Ten-year-old I Am Maximus is currently 10-1 joint-favourite with some firms alongside Grangeclare West, who warmed up for this by winning the Grade 3 Bobbyjoy Chase at Fairyhouse. The last two National winners have won the same race on the way to National glory, and the Mullins-trained veteran could go close.

Only two of the last ten winners of the Grand National have been British-trained horses, courtesy of the Lucinda Russell-trained Corach Rambler and One For Arthur, but this year could go the way of the home side. 

Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero trained Iroko to finish fourth last year, and look set to return with their same representative as well as Jagwar, who is also owned by leading owner JP McManus. 

Meanwhile, Haiti Couleurs, a winner of the Irish National and Welsh National, could take his chance for Rebecca Curtis. He was last seen being pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but has come out of the race in good form, according to his trainer.

Away from the National, there are three Grade 1s on day three, as well as another Grade 2 bumper that concludes the meeting. 

Grand National Festival 2026 day three race schedule

• 12.45 - Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices' Chase 
• 1.20 - William Hill Handicap Hurdle 
• 1.55 - Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle 
• 2.30 - William Hill Handicap Chase
• 3.05 - Liverpool Hurdle
• 4.00 - Randox Grand National Handicap Chase
• 5.00 - Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Best betting sites for the Grand National

When choosing the best betting site for the Grand National, look for:

• Competitive odds and enhanced prices 
• Free bets and welcome offers 
• Extra place races and each-way promotions 
• Easy-to-use betting apps and reliable payouts

Major bookmakers like bet365, Sky Bet and Ladbrokes consistently offer some of the strongest deals during the festival.

Grand National Festival 2026 FAQs

When is the Grand National Festival 2026? 

The 2026 Grand National takes place at 4pm today. The first day of Aintree was April 9, 2026:

• Day one: Opening day and Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase 
• Day two: Ladies' Day
• Today: Grand National day

Where is the Grand National held?

The festival is hosted at Aintree Racecourse, one of the most famous jumps courses in the UK.

What is the Grand National Festival?

It is a three-day jumps racing meeting featuring the world-famous Grand National, multiple Grade 1 races, competitive handicaps, and showcase bumpers that highlight future stars.

How long is the Grand National race?

The Grand National itself is run over 4 miles 2½ furlongs (4m2½f), with 30 fences to be jumped.

How many horses run in the Grand National?

34 runners are confirmed with I Am Maximum the favourite to win.

How do I bet on the Grand National online? 

Sign up with a bookmaker, deposit funds, pick your horse and place your bet. Mobile betting apps are widely available.

What are Grand National free bets? 

Bonuses that let you place a bet without staking your own money. Only winnings are paid out.

What is an each-way bet in the Grand National? 

An each-way bet splits your stake between a win and a place, giving a return if your horse finishes in the top positions.

Are Grand National betting offers guaranteed? 

No. Offers and terms vary by bookmaker and are subject to change.

For more expert insight, check out our expert Grand National Festival tips for the best racing picks.

Remember to gamble responsibly

Gambling can be an enjoyable and exciting form of entertainment, but it can also be a serious risk if not done responsibly. It is important to understand the risks associated with gambling and to take steps to minimise them. You can always call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamstop.co.uk if you need extra help or advice.

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Important information: This article may contain links to offers or promotions that were available at the time of publication. These offers may have since expired or changed.

Offers are handpicked and come from operators that our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing.