The Grand National is one of the most thrilling and prestigious horse racing events in the world and attracts a global audience.

The marathon test covers approximately 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, with the 34 starters jumping 30 fences over two laps, featuring iconic, large obstacles such as Becher’s Brook and The Chair.

Historic Records & Recent Winners

Most Wins: The legendary Red Rum is the only horse to win the race three times (1973, 1974, 1977).  

Fastest Time: The fastest time on record was set by Mr Frisk, who completed the course in 8 minutes and 47.8 seconds in 1990.  

Recent Success: The 2025 Randox Grand National was won by Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins for his trainer father, Willie Mullins.

First Female Winner: Rachael Blackmore made history in 2021 as the first female jockey to win, riding Minella Times in the “behind closed doors” renewal.  

Grand National Prize Money Revealed:

The total prize fund for the race is £1m, with the winning connections collecting £500,000.

The remaining prize money is distributed as follows:

• 2nd place – £200,000
• 3rd place – £100,000
• 4th place – £65,000
• 5th place – £40,000
• 6th place – £30,000
• 7th place – £20,000
• 8th place – £15,000
• 9th place – £10,000
• 10th place – £5,000

Entry Fees And Declarations

• Enter by noon, February 3rd and pay £950 stake.
• Scratch by noon on March 3rd or pay £1100.
• Scratch by noon on March 24th or pay £1100.
• Confirm by noon on April 6th and pay £1700.
• Declare by 10.00 a.m. April 8th.

What Happened In Last Year's Race?

Willie Mullins said he had reached the peak of his career as a trainer after his jockey son Patrick led home a yard 1-2-3 in the Grand National.

The master Irish trainer saddled five of the first seven home, including the winner Nick Rockett at odds of 33/1.

Grand National 2025 Result

1. Nick Rockett (33/1)
2. I Am Maximus (7/1)
3. Grangeclare West (33/1)
4. Iroko (13/2F)
5. Meetingofthewaters (20/1)
6. Senior Chief (40/1)
7. Minella Cocooner (18/1)
8. Hewick (14/1)
9. Minella Indo (20/1)
10. Twig (50/1)

Grand National 2026 Latest

Joint trainer Josh Guerriero has confirmed that Mark Walsh will ride Jagwar and Jonjo O'Neill Jr will partner Iroko in the Grand National.

The JP McManus-owned are both very prominent in the betting and local people to Liverpool are hopeful that a Malpas-trained horse can break the recent Irish monopoly on the race.

2024 hero and last year's runner-up I Am Maximus tops the weights on 11st 12lb and is the 10-1 favourite in our horse racing betting.  

Last year's winner Nick Rockett is also on course to defend his crown. He was last seen finishing third to another Grand National entrant, the Gordon Elliott-trained Gerri Colombe, at Down Royal on St Patrick's Day.

*Odds subject to change - prices accurate at the time of writing*

WE’VE entered the two week international break so this provides a good opportunity to analyse our latest EFL Championship odds concerning the business end of 2025/26.

• Bet on the Championship title race, promotion fight & relegation battle at 888sport

Championship betting interest is reaching crescendo levels for promotion and relegation issues. Quite simply the division is so unpredictable that anything can happen! And don’t forget rock bottom Sheffield Wednesday are already down.

Here is my considered analysis of clubs in the mix to assist your football betting…

Championship Winner & Promotion Odds

Coventry City

• Current position: 1st 

State of play: Nine points clear following seven wins throughout eight outings. Significantly, an 11 points cushion on third place and the second tier’s foremost scorers racking up 81 goals.

Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard said: “We’re not there yet so let’s not get carried away. But the players have been outstanding this season. They’ve developed really well in training to play with consistent togetherness.

“It’s huge testament to them. I love the confidence being shown. We stay humble though since the Championship can be dangerous if you are complacent. Even so, we are in a great position.”

Predicted finish: 1st

Middlesbrough

• Current position: 2nd 

State of play: Nine points behind Coventry City and two points ahead of third. Boro haven’t won across three attempts hitting the net just once. Furthermore, merely two maximum pointers inside eight matches.

In light of Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 draw at lowly Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg said: “It is obvious we want to score goals. Because if we don’t, we won’t win games.

“We are doing our best and it is my responsibility to find ways for the players to score. For me, it is all about creativity. We must therefore keep creating chances although sometimes you need things to fall for you. We will continue to work hard every day.”

Predicted finish: 4th

Ipswich Town

• Current position: 3rd 

State of play: Seven undefeated engagements take the Tractor Boys to two points below second spot - crucially holding one game in hand.

A possible automatic promotion decider could well be Ipswich Town versus Middlesbrough on Sunday 19th April.

Predicted finish: 2nd

Millwall

• Current position: 4th 

State of play: Two points beneath the automatic promotion area after one defeat amid six encounters despite failing to win their last two.

Incidentally, Millwall haven’t graced the top flight of English football beyond 1990.

Predicted finish: 3rd and eventual Play-Off winners.

Relegation Odds

Oxford United

• Current position: 23rd 

State of play: One point shy of that dreaded dotted relegation line. The U’s possess three victories during 12 League and Cup commitments.

However, Saturday’s 2-0 reverse at Southampton terminated four unbeaten assignments. They face a huge relegation dogfight affair away to Portsmouth on Easter Monday. 

Predicted finish: 21st

Leicester City

• Current position: 22nd 

State of play: Adrift of safety by one point producing a solitary win among 14 matches spanning all competitions.

Thus desperately battling back to back relegations.

Predicted finish: 23rd

Portsmouth

• Current position: 21st 

State of play: One point above the drop zone nursing six winless games which incorporate five losses.

I watched Saturday’s 6-1 capitulation against Queens Park Rangers from the Loftus Road press box and I noticed how Pompey fans loudly berated their players at full-time leaving midfield man Ebou Adams in tears.

A key date will be the home clash versus fellow strugglers Leicester City scheduled for Saturday 18th April. 

Predicted finish: 22nd

West Bromwich Albion

• Current position: 20th 

State of play: Enjoying four points’ advantage on the danger region. Albion are certainly hitting form at an appropriate time.

They’ve pieced together four unconquered fixtures culminating in two victories.

Predicted finish: 19th

Blackburn Rovers

• Current position: 19th 

State of play: Protecting a four point buffer over those bottom three sides. Nevertheless only one win within six performances by Rovers. 

Predicted finish: 20th 

*Odds subject to change - prices accurate at the time of writing*

The stage is set for Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle, where Eurovision 2026 will mark its 70th anniversary under the shadows of political tensions, rule changes, and a field dominated by the rise of Finland.

• Could we see a shock winner of Eurovision this year? Bet on the Song Contest at 888sport today

With 888sport spotlighting the market, the odds to win Eurovision are painting a picture of Nordic dominance, French resurgence, and outsider dreams.

Finland: The Nordic Surge

Few stories grip Eurovision fans like a favourite that surges ahead in both the fan polls and the odds. Finland’s entry, "Liekinheitin" by Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, has done just that.

Blending classical violin and pop sensibilities, the duo clinched their spot by sweeping Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, and their momentum has been impossible to ignore in forums and betting markets alike.

Theirs is a performance bursting with energy and eye-catching staging, making Finland the market favourite in Vienna with odds at 6/4 - translating to an implied win probability of around 40%. Will this Nordic powerhouse finally break through the barrier and claim Eurovision glory?

France: The Dark Horse Returns

There’s an undeniable romance in the French approach to Eurovision. After years of fine-tuning their formula, France now finds itself among the frontrunners - thanks to Monroe and the song "Regarde !".

The entry is gaining traction, balancing modern production with a classic Eurovision bravura. While their odds sit behind Finland, France’s 9/2 price signals they’re not just chasing shadows; they’ve become genuine contenders.

The question at the heart of Vienna: Can France turn its consistent momentum into a breakthrough win?

Denmark: Quietly Dangerous

Denmark’s Eurovision history is littered with surprise successes, and this year’s entry, "Før vi går hjem" by Søren Torpegaard, fits the bill of a sleeper hit.

The song’s cinematic scope and strong vocals have attracted both jury and public attention, steadily shortening Denmark Eurovision odds as the contest draws near.

Their odds to win Eurovision are hovering just behind France, suggesting a real battle among the top three. If Denmark’s staging lives up to its promise, we might see another Nordic upset at the grand final.

Australia: Jury Favourite, Public Wildcard

Australia’s annual wildcard status as a non-European entrant always brings intrigue. This year, their representative Delta Goodrem with the song "Eclipse" has catapulted Australia up the odds boards, especially among jury voters.

While the implied probability for victory is lower than the Nordic leaders, Australia’s consistent climb in betting markets reflects a belief that strong vocals can sway the jury - if not the televote.

Could "Eclipse" shine brightest when it matters most?

United Kingdom: The Long-Shot, But Never Dull

With the UK sending Look Mum No Computer and "Eins, Zwei, Drei," the market sees them as outsiders. The odds for the UK Eurovision winner sit at 66/1, reflecting a tough road ahead.

Yet, Eurovision has a history of rewarding bold, unexpected performances, and the UK’s penchant for eccentricity has kept fans curious. Will Vienna see the UK defy expectations, or will their streak of near-misses continue?

The Wider Field: Drama, Controversy and New Rules

Beyond the favourites, Eurovision 2026 is shaped by the absence of Russia, ongoing protests around Israel, and a boycott from five nations. Rule changes, including stricter voting fraud prevention and limits on government influence, add extra unpredictability.

• Learn how to bet on Eurovision at 888sport today

The contest’s apolitical stance is more strained than ever, but the core remains: a showcase of music, drama, and the thrill of the unknown. Who will rise from the chasing pack to cause an upset?

Safer Gambling: Gambling should be enjoyed as a leisure activity, not a solution to financial concerns. For support, visit www.begambleaware.org or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.

Every year, the National Hunt season reaches its boiling point as two giants collide: Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National at Aintree.

Each event pulses with history, drama, and the kind of raw energy that turns ordinary punters into lifelong followers of the sport. The question lingers between pints and paddocks - where does the heart of British jump racing truly beat?

• 888sport have you covered for all things racing - bet here today!

Beneath the banners and the roars, this rivalry is about more than fences and finish lines. Cheltenham Festival and the Aintree Grand National each serve up unique traditions, unforgettable moments, and their own brand of folklore.

From the strategic battleground of Prestbury Park to the unpredictable theatre of Aintree, the story of these two meetings is a tale of contrasting passions - and the racing world wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Cheltenham Festival: Racing’s Four-Day Pinnacle

Cheltenham Festival has been called the “Olympics of jump racing” - and for good reason. Over four days and 28 races, its famous turf has crowned legends in the shape of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and Arkle Challenge Trophy.

The festival’s roots run back to the 1860s, with each March drawing a quarter of a million spectators and a betting turnover that has reached close to £500 million.

The Cheltenham attendance swells with passionate, knowledgeable fans - many decked out in tweed, their cheers echoing across the Cotswolds as the "Cheltenham Roar" signals the start of another chapter in racing history.

For jockeys, trainers, and racing aficionados, Cheltenham represents the ultimate test of speed, stamina, and nerve.

The week’s drama is as much about national pride as it is athleticism, with the Prestbury Cup fueling the friendly rivalry between British and Irish-trained contenders. Here, every finish line is a career-defining moment - and every result a piece of folklore.

Aintree’s Grand National: The People’s Race

If Cheltenham is racing’s cathedral, the Grand National at Aintree is its carnival. Launched in 1839, the Grand National Festival culminates in a single, brutal, and beloved race - one that captures the imagination of the nation like no other.

The Grand National itself is an epic test of around 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, with 30 fences that have become icons in their own right: Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn. Famous for its unpredictability, the Grand National has seen bold outsiders - some defying odds of 100/1 - write themselves into history.

On Grand National Day, Aintree attendance swells to 70,000, with 150,000 over the three-day meeting. The spectacle draws legions of casual fans, family sweepstakes, and first-time punters, making it the most bet-on horse race in the UK, with around £300 million staked on the big race.

Style at Aintree is anything but reserved: bold fashion, exuberant crowds, and a festival atmosphere that feels more like a city-wide street party than a day at the races.

Sporting Prestige or Popular Carnival?

Both Cheltenham and Aintree stand as pillars of the National Hunt season but in distinct ways. Cheltenham offers a four-day proving ground for the sport’s elite - a multi-race, analytical challenge where form and tradition rule.

The Grand National Festival, in contrast, is built around a single race that brings the drama of the sport to the living rooms of millions, with its unpredictability and accessibility capturing the imagination of the public.

For the racing insider, victory at Cheltenham may carry the weight of sporting immortality. For the wider world, nothing compares to the collective gasp of a nation as the Grand National field thunders toward home - 34 horses, one dream, and an ending nobody can predict and that appeals to casual punters who are looking to place an each way bet on the Aintree showpiece.

Legends Forged and Memories Made

In truth, which event is "bigger" may depend on what you’re chasing: the perfection of championship racing or the chaos of a national spectacle.

What’s certain is that Cheltenham and Aintree together form the closing crescendo of the jump racing year - a pairing that has shaped icons, stunned crowds, and delivered stories that will be told for generations.

Safer Gambling: Always treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not a way to solve financial concerns. For support or advice, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.begambleaware.org.

The 2026 Grand National Festival gets underway on 9th April and all eyes will be on Aintree for three days of glorious jumps action, culminating in the Grand National itself on the Saturday.

• Bet on horse racing's biggest meetings at 888sport

On Day One of the meeting, there are a total of four Grade 1 races - with the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, Manifesto Novices Chase, Aintree Bowl and Aintree Hurdle taking place on the Thursday.

There are four more Grade 1s on the Friday, with the Mildmay Novices Chase, the Top Novices Hurdle, Melling Chase and Sefton Novices Hurdle attracting stellar fields.

Day Three is undoubtably the most iconic day of the lot, with the main feature being the Randox Grand National.

Get Ready For The 2026 Grand National:

• How to bet each way on the Grand National
• The biggest shocks in Grand National history

Here, you can find the full race calendar for Aintree 2026 and the timings of each event taking place across the Grand National Festival meeting.

Day One: Thursday, 9th April

• 13:45 - 2m 4f Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 
• 14:20 - 2m 1f William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 
• 14:55 - 3m 1f Aintree Bowl Chase (Grade 1) 
• 15:30 - 2m 5f Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase 
• 16:05 - 2m 4f William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) 
• 16:40 - 2m Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 
• 17:15 - 2m 1f Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2)

Day Two: Friday, 10th April

• 13:45 - 3m 1f William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 
• 14:20 - 2m 4f William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 
• 14:55 - 2m 1/2f Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 
• 15:30 - 2m 4f JCB Melling Chase (Grade 1) 
• 16:05 - 2m 5f Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 
• 16:40 - 3m 1/2f Oddschecker Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 
• 17:15 - 2m 1/2f Debenhams Handicap Hurdle

Day Three: Saturday, 11th April

• 12:45 - 2m Hallgarten Novum Wines Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 
• 13:20 - 3m 1/2f William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 
• 13:55 - 2m 4f Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 
• 14:30 - 3m1f William Hill Handicap Chase (Registered as the Freebooter Handicap Chase) (Premier Handicap) 
• 15:05 - 3m 1/2f  Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) 
• 16:00 - 4m 2 1/2f  Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 
• 17:00  - 2m 1f Weatherbys NHStallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 

The Cubs and Dodgers are clear betting favourites in their respective divisions.

• Bet on Major League Baseball at 888sport

It looks like a two-horse race in the NL East with the big-spending Mets looking to get back on track after a second-half collapse in 2025. 

NL East Odds:

An offseason that threatened to disappoint ended up being very productive for the Mets (17/10). Freddy Peralta joins Nolan McLean atop the rotation, and the lineup is perhaps the deepest outside of Dodger Stadium with Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco arriving as free agents.

Philadelphia’s (9/5) rotation was elite last year, but it’s not going to be at the same level with Zach Wheeler coming off an injury and Ranger Suarez on the Red Sox. An overpay for J.T. Realmuto shows how desperate this group is for a deep playoff run before they get too far past their respective primes. 

Miami (33/1) and Washington (99/1) are rebuilding after dealing Edward Cabrera and MacKenzie Gore, respectively, over the winter. Atlanta (9/5) has a long way to go after winning 76 games last season. The lineup could be in the top 10, but the rotation has severe uncertainty. 

NL East Prediction

1. Mets
2. Phillies
3. Braves
4. Marlins
5. Nationals

NL Central Odds:

Having won 97 games in 2025, the Milwaukee Brewers (119/50) traded away Peralta, Isaac Collins, and Caleb Durbin. The team has done enough to earn the benefit of the doubt, but this roster doesn’t look capable of competing for the division.

Chicago (23/20), with a bullpen overhaul, the trade for Cabrera, and the Alex Bregman signing, are the strongest team in the NL Central by a significant margin.

There’s not a great deal between the Brewers, Pirates (9/1), and Reds (18/5). Cincinnati, in fact, might have been picked for second if Hunter Greene was healthy.

Pittsburgh, for the first time in recent memory, took a meaningful step forward this winter. Marcell Ozuna, Brandon Lowe, and Ryan O’Hearn were added to the lineup, which gives the Pirates a real shot at a wild-card spot if Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and co. ensure the rotation is in the top five in baseball. 

NL Central Prediction

1. Cubs
2. Pirates
3. Reds
4. Brewers
5. Cardinals

NL West Odds:

Once again, the Dodgers (2/13) are clear World Series favourites. Los Angeles had bullpen and corner outfield issues in 2025. Those were emphatically addressed by adding Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz. 

Few teams in MLB history – if any – have been as strongly favoured for their division as these Dodgers. It’s with good reason, too.

• Check out our American League season preview ahead of the 2026 campaign

San Diego (15/2) has been content cutting its payroll for a couple of years. The Giants (19/1) added players at their weakest positions, but they look like a 90-win season is their absolute ceiling.

With Corbin Burnes sidelined, Arizona (21/1) will be lucky to win 85 games. Colorado (99/1) needs to make a major improvement just to avoid another 100-loss season. 

NL West Prediction

1. Dodgers
2. Giants
3. Padres
4. Diamondbacks
5. Rockies

*Odds subject to change - prices accurate at the time of writing*