How to bet on the 2026 Grand National: Essential tipping guide to the Aintree showpiece
Ahead of the 2026 Grand National at Aintree, Sports News Blitz’s racing expert Kieran McHugh explains how you can bet on the world’s most famous steeplechase.
One of the most famous horse races in the world, the Grand National has always been a longstanding fixture in British culture.
One of few races on the calendar that generates intrigue across the planet, from seasoned gambler to those just having a little each-way dabble.
The Grand National brings all walks of life together, and most people like a little bet on the big race. Whether it's the silks, names, form or even colour of the horse, there’s something for everyone.
So, just how can you bet on Aintree’s showpiece event?
How does betting work for the Grand National?
Like every horse race, you can place various types of bets on the Grand National.
The easiest two are a ‘win’ or an ‘each-way’ bet, there’s a few more complicated ways to bet on the race, but we are going to keep this nice and simple for now.
When betting for your horse to win, you only receive a payout if your horse wins.
For an ‘each-way’ bet your stake is doubled and split between your horse winning and placing (finishing in the top three, or maybe top seven depending on your bookmakers’ T&Cs.)
When betting ‘each-way,’ if your horse wins - you receive both parts of the bet, the ‘winning’ part and ‘placing’ part.
If the horse places, then you only pocket the ‘each-way’ part of the bet, typically at a fourth of the odds.
Each-way and the Grand National
Because of the nature of the Grand National and the fact there will be 34 runners, ‘each-way’ betting is more attractive to punters.
The large field means that most bookmaker firms will extend the ‘each-way’ placings to beyond the top three.
It depends on the bookie but some firms will go as low as seventh position.
Place betting
Quite similar to ‘each-way’ betting, you pick a selection to place only.
This is normally to place in the top four but that will likely be extended to further places down the finishing order.
The amount paid-out is the same regardless of where the horse places but of course, there is less risk - so therefore less reward.
Forecast betting for the Grand National
High risk, high reward.
The forecast is the definition of a gamble.
You are essentially betting on the first two finishers, in the correct order.
A reverse forecast is double the stake but you can have the first two in any order.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Horse racing news: Iroko has bookies sweating as Grand National weights announced by William Hill
Tricast betting for the Grand National
Similar to the forecast but with this bet, the punter must predict the first three past the post.
The straight tricast means the first three must finish in the order that is given.
A combination tricast means that the horses selected can finish in any order, but still have to be in the first three.
Of course, more has to be staked for these bets.
Where to bet on the Grand National
There are various online bookmakers who will offer numerous deals on the Grand National.
Contrary to public and popular opinion, there are also some high-street bookmakers.
Or if you are lucky enough to be attending the Grand National meeting, then there will be on-course bookmakers and also the Tote.
Always remember to gamble responsibly
READ NEXT: Horse racing news: William Hill put up £500,000 bonus in new Randox Grand National series
