2026 Grand National Antepost – Get your early bets on for the biggest race of the year

In the following article, we are going to look at the 2026 Grand National and give you a Grand National Antepost prediction for betting on the biggest horse race in the UK. We will look at some history of the National, explain how antepost betting works, and look at some of the main horses that are running in this year’s race. When we’re done, you’ll be all set when placing your early bet on the 2026 Grand National race.

What is Ante-post Betting?

In simple terms, an Antepost bet is where you bet early on an event. The difference between an Antepost bet and a normal bet is that you will lose an Antepost wager if your horse does not run on the day for whatever reason. So, on an Antepost bet, bookmakers will not pay out on a no-runner in horse racing. This can mean (not always) that the odds are improved on a horse before race day. Nearer the race, check if your bet is Antepost or NRNB (No runner no bet) because bookmakers switch from one type to another at different times.

Famous the world over, the Grand National is a national hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It was first run back in 1839 and it is a handicap steeplechase. It was named the Grand National in 1847 and it has become the most well known horse race in the UK. It’s generally the one that even those that don’t have a punt all year will choose a horse for and have a wager on the winner. With millions gambled on the event every year, it’s common for betting on next year’s event to be available via the antepost from the conclusion of that year’s race! The total winners’ prize fund is around £1 Million, it has been dwarfed by some other races worldwide but is still seen as a very prestigious event to win (and even just to compete in).

Who are the 2026 Grand National horses to watch out for?

Let’s have a look at some of the main names high up in the current 2026 Grand National betting.

Haiti Couleurs

• Odds: 16/1
• Jockey: TBC
• Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
• Age: 8
• Previous Grand Nationals: Debut
• Biggest Win: 2025 Irish Grand National.

A Welsh-based horse with the successful trainer Rebecca Curtis is currently showing as the bookmakers’ favourite for the 2026 Grand National. Sen Bowen rode him to a win in the Irish Grand National in 2025, often a good portent for the English race. He also won the National Hunt Chase earlier in the same year. Has been in good form since his seasonal return and his owners will be priming him for a big showing in this race.

Iroko

• Odds: 20/1
• Jockey: TBC
• Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
• Age: 7
• Previous Grand Nationals: 4th (2025)
• Biggest Win: 2023 Martin Pipe (Cheltenham Festival)

Winning the Ascot Graduation Chase in 2025 brought this horse to wider attention. A horse that is built for steeple chase racing and looked good on his Grand National debut finishing a solid 4th on his first time around the fences. A year older and wiser, he should produce another strong run in the 2026 Grand National. He has plenty of stamina and jumping ability and thrives on longer tracks.

 I am Maximus

• Odds: 20/1
• Jockey: TBC
• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Age: 9
• Previous Grand Nationals: Won (2024) 2nd (2025)
• Biggest Win: 2024 Grand National.

A name familiar to anyone who has bet on the last two Grand Nationals as he won in 2024 and just missed out last year. A horse with a lot of character and stamina, he is a good stayer as his last 2 finishes in this race show. He has given bettors a 97% investment return in all his races and that shows why he is well fancied for another strong performance at the 2026 Grand National.

Nick Rockett

• Odds: 25/1
• Jockey: TBC
• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Age: 8
• Previous Grand Nationals: Won (2025)
• Biggest Win: 2025 Grand National.

Last year’s winner will be present again this year and looking to win for a 2nd successive year. His trainer’s son Patrick was the jockey who rode him to victory last year in a real father son act. He has won 8 races in his career and is known for his bravery and jumping exploits. At just 16 hands high, he is one of the smaller horses that will compete at the national.

Jagwar

• Odds: 33/1
• Jockey: TBC
• Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
• Age: 6
• Previous Grand Nationals: Debut
• Biggest Win: 2025 Plate Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

A French horse that is quickly making a name for himself in 2025, he is being tipped by some to make a surprise winning debut at the 2026 Grand National. He came 3rd in the December Gold Cup recently and also won the Premier Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival this year as well.

Where to watch the 2026 Grand National

You should not struggle to find a 2026 Grand National live stream. With it being such a huge worldwide event there are many national TV stations that will show it, as well as online sites and sports streaming services. A few of these options are listed below:

• ITV and ITVX will have before and after coverage of the whole meet and the main race itself
• Racing TV
• Racing Post App
• Live-streamed on many online bookmakers

Prediction for the 2026 Grand National

With a few factors in play, and so much that could happen in the next four months, there is much to consider when making an Antepost bet. It’s important to find horses that are used to the course and jumps, in the right age group for a winner.

For the last few years, this has usually been a horse between 11-00 and 10-00, at around 21/1, not a favourite, aged between 8/9.

I am Maximus, who won last year falls into all these categories. Having finished 1st and 2nd I think he will be a stayer for this year’s race again.

That said, you could make a case for any of the five horses we have profiled to be there at the end of the 30 fences this April.