The 2026 Grand National Festival has arrived, drawing in crowds of racegoers 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 1:45 pm, the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle kicks off the day’s events, culminating with the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race at 5:15 pm.
Notable horses such as Jango Baie, Lulamba, and The New Lion, previously seen at the Cheltenham Festival, will be back on track today seeking victory.
Mirror Sport will provide live coverage, expert tips, race odds, and a preview of Saturday’s main event. Stay tuned for updates.
As the Friday Aintree festival blog concludes today, let’s preview 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 soon head home or into town, reflecting on the day’s outcomes. Here are today’s race results:
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 secured victory in the final race. Tomorrow, expect more thrilling races at Aintree, including competitions for the best-dressed attendees on Ladies Day. Stay tuned for an exciting day of racing ahead.