Aintree 'Grand National' Festival 2026 Day 1

Grand National Festival Day One Tips

The second race of the week is the Manifesto Novices’ Chase, a two and a half mile test that demands a blend of speed and stamina. Aintree is a sharp track when the ground rides on the good side but with plenty of rain forecast in the lead up to the meeting, it could much more of a test.

The first of the feature races comes in the shape of the Betway Bowl Chase. The equivalent of the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the meeting, it is a vastly different test here. This contest was known for producing more older winners than the race at Cheltenham but the last 13 years have seen only two triumph with a horse aged ten or older, the last being Clan Des Obeaux in 2022.

The Aintree Hurdle is a two and a half mile contest, a Grade 1 that some may argue is lacking at Cheltenham, over which Morley Street won four consecutive renewals in the early 1990’s.

The first sighting of the famous fences comes with the Foxhunters before the Red Rum handicap chase over two miles where a frenetic pace is almost guaranteed. The opening day closes with a fillies and mares bumper that helps to add value to potential broodmares of the future.

Boost your betting bank with the latest Aintree and Grand National free bets for new and existing customers. Need some advice on how to spend your free bets? Check out the latest myracing experts’ Aintree betting tips hub, covering every day of the Festival.