The 2026 Grand National Festival kicks off at Aintree, drawing a crowd of race enthusiasts for one of Britain’s major sporting events. Today’s schedule includes seven races, with three Grade One competitions. The day starts with the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at 1:45pm and concludes with the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race at 5:15pm.
Notable contenders from the Cheltenham Festival such as Jango Baie, Lulamba, and The New Lion are returning to compete for victory. Stay updated with live action, expert tips, race odds, and previews for Saturday’s main event on Mirror Sport.
As the Friday Aintree festival blog wraps up, we look ahead 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
Wrapping up the day’s events, racegoers are heading home or into town, reflecting on their betting successes. The results include Nan’s Choice emerging victorious in the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race. Tomorrow awaits with Ladies Day festivities and seven exciting races on the agenda.