The Grand National is the most watched and most bet-on horse race in the United Kingdom, and the 2026 running at Aintree Racecourse promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. With 34 runners declared and some fascinating form lines to unpick, William Hill have put together a comprehensive range of odds, offers and promotions to help punters get the most out of this historic race day.
When is the Grand National 2026?
The 2026 Grand National takes place on Saturday, 11 April at Aintree Racecourse. The race is scheduled to go off at 4:00pm BST, and ITV1 will be providing free-to-air coverage from 12:55pm. Whether you are heading to Merseyside or watching from home, this is one sporting occasion that captures the entire nation.
William Hill Grand National Odds 2026
William Hill are one of the longest-established bookmakers in the UK and their Grand National market consistently attracts huge volumes of bets in the days leading up to the race. For 2026, the market is headed by I Am Maximus, a former winner who returned to form during the season and is available at around 7-1 at the time of writing.
Panic Attack, trained by Dan Skelton, has attracted significant ante-post support and has been as short as 12-1 in the William Hill market. The Irish raider Grangeclare West, partnered by champion jockey Patrick Mullins, is also fancied by many punters and the racing press.
- I Am Maximus – 7-1 (former winner, returning to Aintree)
- Panic Attack – 12-1 (strong trainer in form)
- Grangeclare West – 14-1 (Patrick Mullins in the saddle)
- Fantastikas – 16-1 (respected outsider)
- Gerri Colombe – 20-1 (Gordon Elliott runner)
William Hill Grand National Offers 2026
William Hill traditionally offer a range of enhanced promotions for the Grand National. In previous years this has included each-way extra places, non-runner money-back specials, and price-boost tokens for selected runners. Punters are advised to check the William Hill promotions page on the day for the latest offers, as terms and conditions change frequently.
New customers to William Hill can also take advantage of sign-up welcome bonuses, though responsible gambling guidelines apply. Always check the minimum deposit and wagering requirements before committing funds.
Grand National 2026 Course and Distance
The Grand National is run over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs at Aintree, and includes 30 fences — many of them unique to the course. Famous obstacles include Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and Canal Turn, which test both horse and jockey to the absolute limit. The race is genuinely unpredictable, and outsiders regularly feature at the finish, which is part of what makes it so compelling.
Ground conditions at Aintree in April can vary significantly. Good-to-soft ground tends to suit the better jumpers, while genuine soft ground brings stamina to the fore. Always check the going update on race morning before finalising your selection.
Tips for Betting on the Grand National with William Hill
Experienced punters often recommend having two or three each-way selections in the Grand National rather than putting all your stake on a single runner. With 34 horses in the field, even the favourite has a relatively modest chance of winning, and each-way bets covering three, four, or even five places offer great value in a race of this size.
Consider the weight carried by each runner, the going conditions, and whether the horse has previously run at Aintree. Course form at this track counts for more than at almost any other in the country. Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, the top Irish trainers, dominate the betting most years and their runners are worth studying closely.
How to Watch the Grand National 2026
ITV1 will broadcast the 2026 Grand National live and free-to-air from 12:55pm BST. Coverage is also available through the ITV Hub streaming service for those watching online. Racing Post, At the Races, and Sky Sports Racing will also provide extensive coverage throughout the day.
William Hill customers can access live streaming of the race directly through their account, subject to having a funded account or a qualifying bet placed.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Grand National is shaping up to be a marvellous race. With a strong favourite in I Am Maximus, proven form from Patrick Mullins on Grangeclare West, and the always-unpredictable nature of the world’s greatest steeplechase, there is plenty to get excited about. William Hill’s competitive odds and range of offers make them a natural first port of call for anyone looking to have a flutter on this iconic race.