Grand National 2026: Start times, banned items, road closures

Tens of thousands of racing fans will head to Aintree racecourse later to watch the world-famous Grand National.

They will watch the horses tackle the 30 fences at the Merseyside course at 16:00 GMT with millions expected to watch on TV at home.

Panic Attack is vying for favouritism alongside 2024 winner I Am Maximus.

The three-day festival is expected to welcome its biggest crowd in almost 15 years but all eyes will be on the main event later today.

Here's everything you need to know.

Gates open at 10:00 BST on Saturday, but all eyes will be on the runners and riders taking on 30 unique fences for the main event, which takes place at 16:00.

The schedule for Grand National Day is as follows:

12:45: Maghull Chase

13:20: William Hill Hurdle

13:55: Mersey Novices' Hurdle

14:30: William Hill Handicap Chase

15:05: Liverpool Hurdle

16:00: Grand National

17:00: Weatherbys NH Flat Race

Some spectators get dressed to the nines, wearing their best outfits to Aintree. However, there is no official style code for the event.

Read more here.

Ladies Day at the Grand National Festival is one of the biggest fashion days of the year.

Attendees to any of the Grand National events are advised not to bring a bag larger than a small handbag (30cm x 10cm x 20cm).

There is nowhere to leave luggage onsite.

No food or drink will be allowed on to the course, including alcohol or picnics.

Organisers said while perfume and aftershave is allowed, attendees may be asked to spray some on themselves to prove that it is not harmful.

More information here.

Attendees can get to Aintree by car, train or bus.

Parking at the Steeplechase Car Park can be pre-purchased online.

Merseyrail will run a special timetable for the three-day festival, with trains running more regularly between Liverpool city Centre and Aintree station before the start and finish of the races on each day.

People can find out more about train travel on the Merseyrail website.

Aintree can also be reached by bus on services 300, 310 and 345 both to and from Liverpool.

A number of roads in and around Aintree will be closed for the festival, including Melling Road, Seeds Lane, Greenwich Road and Heysham Road.

A map of the road closures is available here.

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