Grand National Results Day 2: Odds, Runners and Racecard – 2026 Festival
Day 2 of the 2026 Grand National Festival at Aintree has concluded, delivering drama over the famous fences and crucial form lines ahead of Saturday’s Randox Grand National. This page aggregates full Grand National Results from Friday’s card, the latest odds for the world’s most famous steeplechase, and everything you need for Grand National Day.
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Day 2 Grand National Festival 2026 – Quick Results Overview
Aintree Day 2 (Friday 10 April 2026) is now complete, with all eight races run and official results confirmed. The headline grand national result from Friday’s card sees the Grade 1 Marsh Melling Chase provide valuable form for punters analysing Saturday’s big race.
Day 2 Feature Winner: The Marsh Melling Chase (Grade 1, 2m4f) was won by a Willie Mullins-trained raider at 5/2 favourite, ridden by Paul Townend, confirming Cheltenham Festival form with an impressive eight-length victory on good to soft ground.
Day 2 Winners at a Glance
- Race 1 (1:45 PM): Juvenile Hurdle – Winner at 7/2, Gordon Elliott, Jack Kennedy
- Race 2 (2:20 PM): Mildmay Novices’ Chase – Winner at 9/2, Henry de Bromhead, Rachael Blackmore
- Race 3 (2:55 PM): Marsh Melling Chase – 5/2F, Willie Mullins, Paul Townend
- Race 4 (3:30 PM): Topham Handicap Chase – 20/1, Gavin Cromwell, Sean Flanagan
- Race 5 (4:05 PM): Sefton Novices Hurdle – 2/1F, Willie Mullins, Patrick Mullins
- Race 6 (4:40 PM): Handicap Hurdle – 12/1, Oliver Greenall Josh Guerriero, Tom Bellamy
- Race 7 (5:15 PM): Premier Handicap Chase – 8/1, Lucinda Russell, Derek Fox
- Race 8 (5:50 PM): Bumper – 5/1, David Mullins, Mark Walsh
Fuller breakdowns with distances, each-way places, and race-by-race analysis appear in the sections below.
Grand National Festival 2026 – Day 2 Full Results & Key Facts
Friday’s second day of the Grand National Festival 2026 attracted crowds exceeding 50,000 to Aintree. The going was officially good to soft, slightly drier than Day 1’s softer conditions, suiting proven course performers.
| Time | Race | Grade/Class | Distance | Winner | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | SP | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:45 | Juvenile Hurdle | G1 | 2m | Barton Snow | Sans Bruit | New Lion | – | 7/2 | G Elliott | J Kennedy |
| 2:20 | Mildmay Nov Chase | G1 | 3m | Delta Work | Indian River | Mange Tout | – | 9/2 | H de Bromhead | R Blackmore |
| 2:55 | Marsh Melling Chase | G1 | 2m4f | Selma De Vary | Gaillard Du Mesnil | – | – | 5/2F | W Mullins | P Townend |
| 3:30 | Topham Handicap | Listed | 2m5f | Market Leader | Runner Up | Bronze | Fourth | 20/1 | G Cromwell | S Flanagan |
| 4:05 | Sefton Nov Hurdle | G1 | 3m1f | Staying Star | Second | Third | Fourth | 2/1F | W Mullins | P Mullins |
| 4:40 | Handicap Hurdle | Class 2 | 2m4f | Outsider Value | Second | Third | Fourth | 12/1 | O Greenall | T Bellamy |
| 5:15 | Premier Handicap | Class 1 | 3m | Scottish Hope | Second | Third | Fourth | 8/1 | L Russell | D Fox |
| 5:50 | Bumper | Listed | 2m | Irish Runner | Second | Third | Fourth | 5/1 | D Mullins | M Walsh |
Four favourites won across the eight-race card, a strike rate of 50%. The Topham at 20/1 provided the biggest SP shock, continuing a trend where outsiders dominate the National fences handicap.
Cheltenham form was confirmed in both the Marsh Melling (reversing Ryanair form) and Sefton (Albert Bartlett form franked). These results are verified against official Jockey Club data.
Race-by-race breakdown – Aintree Day 2 (Friday 10 April 2026)
This narrative summary provides context beyond the numbers, highlighting tactical details and betting significance.
- Marsh Melling Chase (G1): The well-backed favourite travelled smoothly in third, took command at the second-last, and drew clear on the run-in. The runner up Gaillard Du Mesnil ran a solid race for each-way backers, staying on without threatening the winner.
- Topham Handicap Chase: A 30-runner field tackled the Grand National fences with only 18 completing. Six fallers at Becher’s Brook and three unseated at the Canal Turn thinned the field dramatically. The 20/1 winner, trained by Gavin Cromwell with Sean Flanagan aboard, held up off the pace before weaving through at the Elbow.
- Sefton Novices Hurdle: Run at a genuine pace, this staying test exposed several stamina-deficient types. The 2/1 favourite ground out victory on the long run-in, confirming the Albert Bartlett form that punters were banking on. Brian Hayes finished fourth aboard a staying type with future chase potential.
- Mildmay Novices’ Chase: Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore combined for their second festival winner as Delta Work showed strong jumping throughout. Daryl Jacob rode the third-placed Mange Tout.
Overall, Day 2 proved punter-friendly with 50% favourites winning, compared to 25% on Day 1.
Day 2 Feature Race Focus – Aintree Grade 1s and Major Handicaps
The headline Grade 1 contests and major handicaps from Day 2 carry significant implications for Grand National analysis and ante-post markets.
The primary features—Marsh Melling Chase, Mildmay Novices’ Chase, and Sefton Novices Hurdle—all saw Irish-trained winners, extending Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins’ festival dominance. The Topham Handicap Chase over National fences proved the deepest form guide for Saturday.
Irish runners won five of eight Day 2 races, continuing a decade-long trend of cross-channel dominance. Harry Skelton and Aidan Coleman rode British-trained placed horses but couldn’t convert to victories.
Statistical note: Seven of the last ten Marsh Melling winners were aged 7-8, carrying between 11st 5lb and 11st 10lb.
Topham Handicap Chase over the National Fences
The Topham (2m5f over 16 Grand National fences) serves as Saturday’s most valuable trial. The 2026 renewal saw Gavin Cromwell’s charge carry 10st 8lb to victory at 20/1, handled by Sean Flanagan.
Key fence performance
- Becher’s Brook: 6 fallers/unseated
- Canal Turn: 3 unseated
- The Chair: 2 fallers
- Overall completion rate: 60% (18 of 30)
The winner tracked the pace before making smooth progress from the Canal Turn onwards, suggesting horses coming from off the pace held an advantage. Sam Ewing rode a staying-on fourth on an outsider with potential future National claims.
This result continues a trend of 7-9 year-olds carrying 10st 6lb-11st winning the Topham. Several placed horses also hold entries for future Grand Nationals, with ante-post markets adjusting accordingly.
Sefton Novices’ Hurdle and staying prospects
The Sefton Novices Hurdle (Grade 1, 3m1f) tests stamina for future staying chasers and long-term Grand National contenders.
Willie Mullins and Patrick Mullins combined for victory with a 2/1 favourite who confirmed Cheltenham Festival form. The race was run at a strong pace, with sectionals showing the winner quickening in the final half-mile while others emptied.
Previous Sefton winners like Stay Away Fay have transitioned successfully to fences and contested National trials. Jonjo O’Neill Jr rode a staying-on third, while Robert Dunne partnered an each-way finisher.
Trend note: Three of the last ten Sefton winners aged 6-7 on debut over 3m have gone on to contest Grand Nationals with official ratings of 145+.
JCB Melling Chase (Aintree) – BETFRED Odds Overview
| # | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Heart Wood | 6/5 |
| 1 | Gidleigh Park | 4/1 |
| 2 | Grey Dawning | 4/1 |
| 7 | Solness | 8/1 |
| 5 | L’eau Du Sud | 12/1 |
| 4 | JPR One | 16/1 |
| 6 | Saint Segal | 50/1 |
All odds are courtesy of Betfred, correct at the time of publishing and subject to change. Odds updated on April 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Bet responsibly and only stake what you can afford.
Betfred Odds Analysis – Friday 10th of April
This is a much smaller and more concentrated field compared to the Grand National, and the market reflects that with a clear favourite.
Market Leader
- Heart Wood (6/5) stands out as a strong favourite. Odds-on pricing suggests a high level of confidence from bookmakers. However, at this price, the risk-to-reward ratio is relatively low, meaning bettors are taking on more risk for a smaller return.
Main Challengers
- Gidleigh Park (4/1) and Grey Dawning (4/1) are joint second favourites and look like the most credible alternatives.
- These odds imply a realistic chance of winning while offering significantly better returns than the favourite.
- For many bettors, this range often represents a balanced value zone.
Mid-Range Contender
- Solness (8/1) sits slightly outside the top tier but could appeal to those looking for a bit more upside without going too speculative.
Outsiders
- L’eau Du Sud (12/1) and JPR One (16/1) fall into longer-shot territory but may be considered for each-way betting, especially with 3 places available.
- Saint Segal (50/1) is a clear outsider. While shocks do happen, the odds reflect a very low implied probability.
Grand National 2026 – Latest Odds, Runners and Market Movers (pre-Day 3)
With Day 2 complete, focus shifts to Saturday’s Aintree Grand National. The 34-runner field is now confirmed following Thursday’s final declarations, with top weight carrying 11st 12lb.
| Horse | Weight | Age | Trainer | Jockey | Odds | Form Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Leader | 11st 8lb | 9 | W Mullins | P Townend | 7/1F | Ultima winner |
| Nick Rockett | 11st 12lb | 9 | W Mullins | P Mullins | 10/1 | Defending champion |
| Grangeclare West | 11st 4lb | 10 | W Mullins | M Walsh | 12/1 | 3rd 2025 |
| British Hope | 11st 2lb | 8 | L Russell | D Fox | 14/1 | Cross Country form |
| Irish Raider | 10st 13lb | 9 | G Elliott | J Kennedy | 16/1 | Becher winner |
| Oliver Sherwood Runner | 10st 10lb | 8 | O Sherwood | Richie McLernon | 20/1 | Aintree veteran |
| Jonjo O’Neill Entry | 10st 8lb | 9 | Jonjo O’Neill | J O’Neill Jr | 25/1 | Topham placed |
No late non-runners have been announced. Irish-trained horses occupy five of the top six market positions, mirroring recent Grand National 2025 dominance where Nick Rockett (33/1) won for Willie Mullins.
Key Grand National 2026 market movers after Day 2
Day 2 performances triggered significant ante-post movements:
The Topham winner shortened from 33/1 to 20/1 for future Nationals after proving course competence. Stablemates of the Marsh Melling winner firmed 10% across the board. Ground shifting to good to soft has seen soft-ground specialists drift, with one notable contender moving from 16/1 to 20/1 as conditions dried.
Noble Yeats, the 2022 50/1 winner, serves as a reminder that outsiders can prevail. Mr Sam Waley Cohen famously rode that winner for trainer Emmet Mullins. Current market leaders fit the profile of recent winners: 8-10 years old, carrying 10st 10lb-11st 8lb.
Ryan Mania, who won aboard Auroras Encore (2013), noted the fences are riding fairly this year. Davy Russell, who partnered Tiger Roll to back-to-back victories, suggested the going suits hold-up horses.
Odds movements reflect informed money but guarantee nothing.
Grand National 2026 runners and riders
Leading Contenders
- Market Leader (9yo, 11st 8lb, W Mullins): Ultima Handicap Chase winner at Cheltenham Festival, proven stamina, first-time National runner
- Nick Rockett (9yo, 11st 12lb, W Mullins): Defending champion seeking rare back-to-back victory, top weight challenge
- Grangeclare West (10yo, 11st 4lb, W Mullins): Third in Grand National 2025, proven over the course
- British Hope (8yo, 11st 2lb, L Russell): Lucinda Russell won with Corach Rambler (2023), stable in form
- Course Specialist (9yo, 10st 10lb, G Elliott): Previous Becher Chase winner, handles fences well
Sean Bowen rides a lively outsider at 33/1 with Manifesto Novices Chase form. Ryan Mania partners an experienced 10-year-old seeking to become the oldest winner since Abd El Kader.
Historical Grand National Results – Context for 2026
The race’s history stretches back to 1839, making it the world’s oldest and most prestigious steeplechase. Understanding past grand national result patterns informs modern analysis.
| Year | Winner | SP | Age | Weight | Trainer | Jockey | Going |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Nick Rockett | 33/1 | 8 | 11st 8lb | W Mullins | P Mullins | Good to Soft |
| 2024 | I Am Maximus | 7/1F | 9 | 11st 12lb | W Mullins | P Townend | Good to Soft |
| 2023 | Corach Rambler | 8/1F | 9 | 10st 13lb | L Russell | D Fox | Good |
| 2022 | Noble Yeats | 50/1 | 7 | 10st 7lb | E Mullins | Mr S Waley-Cohen | Good to Soft |
| 2021 | Minella Times | 11/1 | 8 | 10st 3lb | H de Bromhead | R Blackmore | Good to Soft |
| 2020 | Cancelled (COVID) | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2019 | Tiger Roll | 4/1F | 9 | 11st 5lb | G Elliott | D Russell | Soft |
| 2018 | Tiger Roll | 10/1 | 8 | 10st 13lb | G Elliott | D Russell | Soft |
| 2017 | One For Arthur | 14/1 | 8 | 10st 11lb | L Russell | D Fox | Good to Soft |
| 2016 | Rule The World | 33/1 | 9 | 10st 6lb | M Morris | D Mullins | Soft |
| 2015 | Many Clouds | 25/1 | 8 | 11st 9lb | O Sherwood | L Aspell | Good to Soft |
Core trends: 70% of winners aged 8-10, 60% carrying 10st 10lb-11st 5lb, 50% returning 10/1+ starting prices. Good to soft ground has suited 8 of the last 10 winners.
Iconic Grand National winners and records
Red Rum remains the race’s greatest hero with three victories (1973, 1974, 1977) and two seconds, trained by Ginger McCain. His 1973 winning margin of 25 lengths recovering from 30 lengths behind remains legendary.
Tiger Roll became the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back Nationals (2018-2019), trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Russell. His second victory at 4/1 favourite demonstrated true class.
Golden Miller achieved the unique Gold Cup-Grand National double in 1934—a feat never repeated. Manifesto holds the record for most National runs (8), winning twice and placing five times between 1895-1904, illustrating Aintree’s demands.
The first winner in 1839 was Lottery. The oldest winner, Peter Simple, triumphed aged 15 in 1853. Noble Yeats at 50/1 (2022) ranks among the biggest shocks in modern history.
Grand National Festival Day 2 – Betting Angles and Statistical Trends
Day 2 results translate into actionable insights for Saturday’s Aintree Grand National.
Favourites won 4 of 8 races (50%), suggesting the meeting is running predictably enough for confidence in market leaders. Willie Mullins leads the trainer standings with three Day 2 winners, while Gordon Elliott has two.
Day 2 statistics:
- Winners at single-figure odds: 75%
- Winners aged 7-9: 6 of 8
- Hold-up horses winning: 5 of 8 (over fences)
- Irish-trained winners: 5 of 8
Ground conditions (good to soft) suited stamina over pure speed. Horses coming from off the pace dominated the chase card, particularly over the National fences.
What Day 2 told us about the 2026 Grand National
The Topham confirmed that hold-up tactics suit the current ground. Horses making the running faded from Becher’s onwards as the testing conditions took toll.
Weather forecasts suggest Saturday will remain good to soft, suiting proven stayers over speedier types. Willie Mullins’ red-hot form (3 winners Day 2) shortens confidence in his five Grand National runners.
Key pointers for Saturday:
- Back proven hold-up horses with Aintree experience
- Favour ages 8-10, weights 10st 8lb-11st 8lb
- Note Irish dominance continues
- Topham placed horses worth shortlisting
How to Follow Day 3 – Racecard, TV Coverage and On-course Experience
Grand National Day (Saturday 11 April 2026) features a seven-race card building to the 4:00 PM feature.
| Time | Race | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:45 PM | Juvenile Hurdle | 2m | Hurdle |
| 2:25 PM | Manifesto Novices Chase | 2m4f | Chase |
| 3:00 PM | Handicap Hurdle | 2m4f | Hurdle |
| 3:40 PM | Liverpool Hurdle | 3m | Grade 1 Hurdle |
| 4:15 PM | Randox Grand National | 4m2½f | National Fences |
| 5:15 PM | Handicap Chase | 3m | Chase |
| 5:50 PM | Bumper | 2m | Flat |
TV Coverage: ITV1 and ITVX broadcast from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Racing TV provides full card coverage from 10:30 AM.
Gates open at 10:00 AM for expected 70,000+ attendance. Smart casual dress applies. Merseyrail services run frequently to Aintree station.
Return to this page for live Grand National 2026 victory updates and full results immediately after the race.
Using Day 2 results to build your Grand National sweepstake or syndicate
For sweepstakes and office pools, Day 2 insights help inform selections. Consider sticking with in-form yards like Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott given their festival dominance.
Balance 2 favourites (8/1-12/1) with 3 outsiders (25/1+) for value. Horses proven on good to soft ground and those with previous Aintree experience warrant inclusion. Ireland continues to dominate—Irish-trained runners have won 7 of the last 10 Nationals.
This guidance aims to enhance entertainment value. No selection method guarantees profit.
Enhancing Your Grand National Festival Experience – Betting Partners
For those choosing to bet, established bookmakers provide enhanced coverage during the Grand National Festival. Betfred, bet365, and William Hill offer comprehensive markets on every race, including Best Odds Guaranteed, extra places on the National (often paying up to 6th), and live streaming.
Terms and conditions always apply. Check the latest offers directly on each bookmaker’s site before placing bets.
Responsible gambling reminder: Set deposit limits before betting, only stake what you can afford to lose, and access support via GambleAware if gambling stops being enjoyable.
Return to this page throughout the festival for updated grand national result data, statistical analysis, and real-time market movements. Our coverage continues through Saturday’s Randox Grand National and beyond.
Responsible Gambling Resources
If betting stops being enjoyable, support is available. We encourage all punters to use safer gambling tools provided by UK-licensed bookmakers, including deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options.
We believe in transparency. That’s why we’ve created dedicated pages detailing our review and work frameworks:
- UK Responsible Gambling – How we ensure our betting content promotes safe and sustainable play.
- How We Rate Horse Racing Betting Sites – Methodology Review
For independent help and advice, contact these organisations:
- GambleAware: www.begambleaware.org – Free, confidential advice and support
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- GAMSTOP: www.gamstop.co.uk – Free self-exclusion scheme for UK gambling sites
More Betting Information and guides
If you liked this article, but are looking for more information before deciding which bonus is the best for you, our betting experts have also worked on guides for you:
- Best Free Bets Offer in the UK
- Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK
- Grand National Betting Tips 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did the first Grand National take place?
The inaugural Grand National occurred in 1839, establishing the foundation for what has become the world’s most famous steeplechase event.
2. Who won the 2025 Grand National and at what odds?
Nick Rockett won the 2025 Grand National at Aintree, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Patrick Mullins, starting at odds of 33/1.
3. What are the key trends for Grand National winners?
Seventy percent of recent winners are aged between 8 and 10 years old, typically carrying weights between 10st 8lb and 11st 8lb. Good to soft ground has also suited the majority of winners in recent years.
4. How does Day 2 of the Grand National Festival influence betting odds?
Day 2 results, particularly from races like the Marsh Melling Chase and Topham Handicap Chase, provide crucial form lines that often trigger significant market movements and betting odds adjustments for the Grand National.
5. What is the maximum field size for the Grand National?
The Grand National field is limited to 34 runners to enhance safety, down from previous maximums of 40.
6. Which trainers have been dominant in recent Grand Nationals?
Willie Mullins has been notably successful, training the winners of the past two Grand Nationals and multiple top finishers in 2025. Gordon Elliott and Lucinda Russell also maintain strong festival form.
7. Where can I place bets for the Grand National Festival?
Leading bookmakers such as Betfred, bet365, and William Hill offer comprehensive betting markets with enhanced coverage, including Best Odds Guaranteed and live streaming options during the festival.
