We look a the key Grand National dates with the big Liverpool race now on the horizon – including the next scratchings and the date for the final 2026 Grand National declarations.
Grand National Date 2026🗓️
The Grand National 2026 will be run on Saturday 11th April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.
With the Grand National race time 4:00pm (BST).
The full 2026 Aintree Festival schedule is expected to run as follows:
- Day 1 – Thursday 9th April 2026
- Day 2 – Friday 10th April 2026
- Day 3 – Saturday 11th April 2026
With the race also shown LIVE on the ITV Racing schedule.
2026 Grand National Second Scratchings Date📅
There are still 69 Grand National runners declared for the 2026 race, but this number will be whittled down before race day.
With the next Grand National scratching date on Tuesday 24th March 2026.
This will see the field reduced further, with the betting market, that is headed by a host of JP McManus Grand National runners, also likely to get a refresh.
2026 Grand National Five-Day Declarations Date📅
After that scratching date, the Grand National runners will be cut again on the week of the race.
With the 2026 Grand National five-day declarations date on Monday 6th April, 2026.
2026 Grand National FINAL Declarations Date 📅
Then horse racing fans will then know the final 2026 Grand National runners three days before the big Aintree race.
With the final declarations out on Wednesday 8th April – 72 hours before the race on Saturday April 11th.
Normal horse racing declaration times are 48 hours (two days), but the Grand National this year will see 72-hour declarations – giving owners, trainers, jockey, press and punters more time.
The Jockey Club has also introduced 72-hour decs for the Epsom Derby.
With these two big British races now in line with global contests like the Melbourne Cup and Kentucky Derby, who already have 72-hour decs in place.
“We’re really pleased to be able to make the Randox Grand National a 72-hour declaration race, providing greater clarity for not only participants and racing stakeholders but also fans” Said Sulekha Varma, Aintree clerk of the course.
Key Grand National Dates Summary 2026 🗓️
- Scratchings: Tuesday 24th March, 2026
- Five-Day Declarations: Monday 6th April, 2026
- Final Declarations: Wednesday 8th April, 2026
What Is the Maximum Grand National Runners Allowed?
For safety reasons, the maximum Grand National runners is 34.
This number was introduced from 2024, with the previous maximum number being 40 runners.
The first Grand National winner when the race had 34 runners was I Am Maximus in 2024.
When, in fact, there were only 32 runners, with two late non-runners.
Grand National Reserve Runners 2026
With the final 2026 Grand National runners declared 72 hours before the race, this also poses the issue of some horses still not making it.
But the race officials have a plan on this front, with the Grand National reserve runners increased to SIX in 2026.
Meaning if any of the final 34 Grand National runners can’t make the race between Weds 8th April and Fri 10th April (up till 1pm) – one of the reserves will get in.
WATCH: Nick Rockett Winning The 2026 Grand National at Aintree
