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GRAND NATIONAL 2027: WHEN IS THE RACE, SCHEDULE AND HOW TO PICK THE WINNER
When is the Grand National 2027?
The 2027 Grand National is on Saturday 10 April 2027 at Aintree, and the Jockey Club's event page lists a 4.00pm start. It is the main race of a three-day Festival that runs from Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 April, and at 4 miles 2½ furlongs it is a marathon test of stamina and jumping.
This guide gives you the date and start time, the race-by-race schedule for all three days, the trends shared by recent winners and a simple method for narrowing down the field. Start times and race details can change, so check the official page in race week. Nothing here is a tip, and no method can guarantee a winner.
Grand National Festival 2027 race schedule, day by day
All times are UK time, as listed on the Jockey Club's 2027 event schedule. Race times and order can change before the meeting, and a second racing site showed a different race order for some days, so confirm the final card in race week.
Thursday 8 April: Opening Day
Gates open 11am; first race 1.45pm; last race 5.15pm.
Friday 9 April: Ladies Day
Gates open 10.30am; first race 1.45pm; last race 5.15pm.
Saturday 10 April: Grand National Day
Gates open 10am; first race 12.45pm; last race 5.00pm.
Grand National trends: what recent winners have in common
These trends look back at the last 11 renewals and fall into four groups. Experience: winners had already run at least three times that season, had at least seven chase runs behind them and had won over hurdles. Stamina and age: most were aged 7 to 9 and had at least five runs over 3 miles or further. Condition: most had a break of 24 to 68 days and had finished in the top six last time. Profile: most were Grand National debutants, rated 146 to 160 and had already won a graded race.
How to pick the Grand National winner
No method finds the winner, but a repeatable one helps you narrow a big field and avoid weak choices. Work through these steps once declarations are out.
Run the trends filter. Check each runner against the trends above. A horse that meets most of them is worth a closer look; one that misses several needs a strong reason to stay on your list.
Check stamina. The Grand National is 4 miles 2½ furlongs. Look for proven form over 3 miles or further, and for a horse that has finished its races strongly rather than tiring.
Check the jumping. Aintree's fences are unlike those at most courses. Prefer horses with plenty of chase experience and a clean record of completing, and look for previous form over the National fences.
Look at the weight. The handicapper sets the weights, and carrying a big weight over four miles is harder than the rating suggests. Compare the weight each horse carries with its recent form.
Read the ground. The going changes how much stamina is needed. Check how each horse has performed on similar ground.
Study the preparation. Look at how recently the horse ran, what the trainer has said, and whether the season has been planned around this race.
Compare prices and each-way terms. Odds and each-way places vary between bookmakers, and a horse you like may be priced too short to be worth the risk. Never stake more than you can afford to lose.
Re-check in race week. Confirm the final field, non-runners, jockey bookings and ground before you decide.
Worked example (hypothetical). Say a horse meets 8 of the 10 trends above but is carrying more weight than any rival. It has earned a place on your shortlist, not an automatic selection: the weight is the question to answer before you back it. This is an illustration, not a runner in the 2027 race.
Why times and race details can change
The schedule above is the published programme, not a guarantee. Start times, race order, sponsors, distances and the final field can all change before the meeting, and the going and any inspections can affect the card in race week. Check the Jockey Club's event schedule and the official declarations before you travel, book or place a bet.
Common mistakes to avoid
Backing a horse because of its name or story. The National attracts many casual bets; the race itself rewards stamina and jumping.
Treating trends as rules. They describe a small sample of past winners and can be broken.
Ignoring the weight. A high weight over four miles is a real handicap.
Betting before declarations. Check the final field, non-runners and going first.
Using old times. Use the 2027 schedule, not last year's.
Chasing losses. Set a limit before the day and stick to it.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Grand National 2027?
Saturday 10 April 2027 at Aintree.
What time is the Grand National 2027?
The Jockey Club's event page lists a 4.00pm start. Times can change, so confirm in race week.
How long is the Grand National?
The race is listed at 4 miles 2½ furlongs.
How many days is the Aintree Festival?
Three: Opening Day on Thursday 8 April, Ladies Day on Friday 9 April and Grand National Day on Saturday 10 April.
How do you pick the Grand National winner?
Start with the trends of recent winners, then check stamina, jumping, weight, ground and preparation, and compare prices and each-way terms.
Which Grand National trends matter most?
In the sample of 11 winners, every one had at least three runs that season, at least seven chase runs and a win over hurdles.
Can trends guarantee a winner?
No. They describe a small sample of past winners and cannot guarantee any result.
Where can I find the official schedule?
The Jockey Club's Grand National event schedule lists the races and times.
Final thoughts
The 2027 Grand National is on Saturday 10 April at Aintree, with a listed 4.00pm start. Use the trends to build a shortlist, check stamina, jumping, weight and ground, and confirm the final card in race week. Treat every method as a guide, not a guarantee.
Explore Racing Daily's free racing tips, previews and educational features at racing-daily.com. If you choose to bet, only do so if you are 18 or over, set affordable limits and never chase losses. Support is available at GambleAware.
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