The 2026 Grand National Festival is underway, attracting numerous race enthusiasts to Aintree for one of the UK’s major sporting events. Today marks the start of the action in Merseyside with seven races, including three Grade One contests.
Commencing at 1:45pm is the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, followed by the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race at 5:15pm to wrap up Thursday’s events. Noteworthy contenders such as Jango Baie, Lulamba, and The New Lion from the Cheltenham Festival are back in action seeking victory.
Mirror Sport will provide live updates, expert tips, latest odds for each race, and anticipation for Saturday’s main event. Stay tuned for more updates.
As the Friday Aintree festival blog concludes, let’s look forward to tomorrow’s racecard:
1:45 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m4f
2:20 – William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) Cl1 (5yo+) 3m1f
2:55 – ThatPrizeGuy Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m½f
3:30 – JCB Melling Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) Cl1 (5yo+) 2m4f
4:05 – Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) Cl1 (5yo+) 2m5f
4:40 – Oddschecker Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) Cl1 (4yo+) 3m½f
5:15 – Debenhams Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys’ And Amateur Riders’ Race) (GBB Race) Cl2 (4yo+) 2m½f
Racegoers will head home or to town, reflecting on the day’s outcomes. Here are the results from the races:
1:45 – Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle
1. Mange Tout – 5/1
2. Selma De Vary – 9/4F
3. Indian River – 25/1
2:20 – William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase
1. Koktail Divin – 3/1
2. Blueking d’Oroux – 22/1
3. Mambonumberfive – 11/1
2:55 – Racing Welfare Bowl Chase
1. Jango Baie – EvensF
2. Protektorat – 5/1
3. Pic d’Orhy – 12/1
3:30 – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase
1. Barton Snow – 7/4F
2. Lets Go Champ – 11/1
3. Take All – 50/1
4:05 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle
1. Brighterdaysahead – 13/8F
2. The New Lion – 9/4
3. Alexei – 12/1
4:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase
1. Ryan’s Rocket – 14/1
2. Highlands Legacy – 11/2
3. Sans Bruit – 11/4F
5:15 – Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
1. Nan’s Choice – 9/2
2. Lennon Grove – 7/1
3. Fairy Park – 9/1
Nan’s Choice emerged victorious in the final race, concluding the day on a high note for many attendees. The festival continues tomorrow with Ladies Day, featuring seven races and various competitions for the best-dressed individuals.