When is the 2026 Grand National?
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The Grand National is one of the world's most famous horse races, featuring jockeys and horses negotiating 30 fences over four-and-a-half miles.
The race, which is watched by an estimated 600 million people worldwide, takes place on Saturday, 11 April.
Over 150,000 people will descend on Aintree Racecourse outside Liverpool for the three-day meet, where more than 20 different races will take place.
In the biggest race - the Grand National - horses have to complete two laps of the course.
The Grand National dates back to 1839 and has been held annually since.
It did not taking place during World War One and World War Two, in 1993 due to a series of false starts, and 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nick Rockett, a 33-1 shot ridden by jockey Patrick Mullins, won the 2025 Grand National.
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How many horses run in the Grand National?
Nick Rockett won the 2025 Grand National
A total of 34 horses will run in the 2026 Grand National after the field was reduced to 40 runners in 2024 as part of measures designed to improve safety.
In early February, a longlist of 78 potential Grand National runners was announced and this is whittled down to the final 34 on 8 April, just 72 hours before the race.
There are also six reserves named should any horse pull out of the race.
The 2024 winner I Am Maximus has the top weight - meaning the horse carrying the heaviest weight in a handicap race - at 11st 12lbs.
No top weight has won the steeplechase since triple victor Red Rum in 1974.
What is the prize money?
The Grand National offers a £1m prize fund which is split between the racehorse owners and their connections.
Jockeys receive a percentage of the purse, with the amount depending on where the horse finishes:
First Place - £500,000
Second Place - £200,000
Third Place - £100,000
Fourth Place - £65,000
Fifth Place - £40,000
Sixth Place - £30,000
Seventh Place - £20,000
Eighth Place - £15,000
Ninth Place - £10,000
Tenth Place - £5,000
When is Ladies Day?
Ladies Day is celebrated on the second day of Grand National
Ladies Day is the second day of the festival and takes place this year on Friday, 10 April.
It is traditionally one of the biggest days in Liverpool's social calendar when women - and men - are invited to dress to impress.
Who are the most recent Grand National winners?
2025 – Nick Rockett (33-1)
2024 – I Am Maximus (7-1)
2023 – Corach Rambler (8-1)
2022 – Noble Yeats (50-1)
2021 – Minella Times (11-1)
2020 – Race cancelled
2019 – Tiger Roll (4-1)
2018 – Tiger Roll (10-1)
2017 – One For Arthur (14-1)
2016 – Rule The World (33-1)
How can I follow the Grand National on the BBC?
You can listen to the Grand National on BBC 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app.
Racing fans will also be able to follow our live text to keep track of all the action from Aintree on the BBC Sport website and app.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
