The Aintree Festival is three days of world-class racing, culminating in the iconic Grand National. While many people only bet once a year, the “pros” see Aintree as a unique opportunity to find value. At Tony Clayton, we see thousands of bets across the three days, and we’ve noticed that the most successful punters share a few common strategies. Here is how you can approach the 2026 festival like a professional.
1. Don’t Ignore the “Support” Races
While the National gets all the headlines, the races on Thursday and Friday often provide more predictable form. The Aintree Bowl and the Melling Chase feature some of the best chasers in the world. Professionals often look for horses that “skipped” Cheltenham to arrive at Aintree fresh. A horse that is “fresh and well” against a field that had a hard race at Cheltenham three weeks ago is one of the oldest and most reliable angles in the book.
2. The Each-Way Strategy in the National
With 34 runners, the Grand National is the ultimate each-way race. At Tony Clayton, we often see punters picking two or three horses at longer odds (25/1 to 50/1) and backing them each-way. This strategy means that even if your horse doesn’t win, a 4th, 5th, or 6th place finish (depending on our special National terms) can still return a healthy profit. Look for “safe” jumpers—horses that rarely fall—even if they lack a bit of top-end speed.
3. Understanding the Ground
The Aintree course is unique. It’s a flat track, but the fences are unlike anything else in racing. In 2026, the weather in Norfolk and Liverpool has been unpredictable. Always check the “Going” report on the morning of the race. Some horses are “mud-larks” who need the rain, while others need a quicker surface to show their best. At Tony Clayton, we keep our screens updated with the latest track conditions so you can make an informed decision.
4. Use the Telephone for Market Moves
Odds move fast on National Day. If you see a horse’s price starting to tumble, that often indicates “smart money” is coming in. Our telephone betting service allows you to react quickly. Instead of fumbling with an app, you can call our desk and lock in a price before it disappears.
5. Bankroll Management
The golden rule of professional betting is to never chase losses. The Aintree Festival should be fun. Set a budget for the three days and stick to it. Whether you’re winning or losing, the goal is to enjoy the spectacle of some of the finest athletes—human and equine—in the world.
Join us this year at Tony Clayton Bookmakers. Whether you’re a pro or a novice, we’re here to provide the best service, the best odds, and the fastest payouts in Norwich.
