The gates at Aintree open in just 48 hours. For the team at Tony Clayton Bookmakers, this is the week we work for all year. As the only independent bookmaker left in Norwich, we don’t just give you a slip; we give you the full story.
Below is your definitive guide to the 2026 Randox Grand National and the key battles across the three-day festival.
The Big One: Grand National Runners & Odds (Saturday, 4:00 PM)
Odds correct as of Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Final field of 34 to be confirmed Wednesday.
The 2026 renewal is a clash of titans. We have the 2024 hero, I Am Maximus, attempting to reclaim his crown against the 2025 defending champion, Nick Rockett. Here is how the market looks at the counter today:
| Horse | Age | Weight | Latest Odds | The Tony Clayton Verdict |
| I Am Maximus | 10 | 11-12 | 7/1 (Fav) | The class of the field. Carrying top weight, but his Aintree record is flawless. |
| Iroko | 8 | 11-0 | 8/1 | The massive market mover. Fourth last year and looks perfectly handicapped for 2026. |
| Nick Rockett | 9 | 11-10 | 10/1 | Our 2025 champion. He’s bidding for the rare back-to-back double. Don’t count him out. |
| Jagwar | 7 | 10-11 | 12/1 | The young pretender. A narrow defeat in the Ultima suggests he’s ready for the big fences. |
| Haiti Couleurs | 9 | 11-10 | 16/1 | Improving with every run. Already a Welsh National winner; stamina is his superpower. |
| Monty’s Star | 9 | 11-3 | 20/1 | A bold jumper who has been crying out for this 4-mile test. The “smart” money in Norwich. |
| Captain Cody | 8 | 10-10 | 25/1 | Last year’s Scottish National winner. He loves a battle and offers great E/W value. |
| Stellar Story | 9 | 10-11 | 33/1 | A Grade 1 winner who gets a massive weight pull from the favorites this year. |
| Gorgeous Tom | 8 | 10-9 | 40/1 | An eye-catching fourth in the Coral Gold Cup. The yard is famous for Aintree upsets. |
| Gerri Colombe | 10 | 11-10 | 33/1 | A veteran with a huge heart. If the ground turns soft, his odds will tumble. |
| Mr Vango | 10 | 10-12 | 100/1 | The rank outsider with a chance. He loves the heavy stuff and stays forever. |
Beyond the National: The Festival Highlights
The Grand National is the crown jewel, but the Aintree Festival offers 21 races of pure adrenaline. Here is what you need to watch on Thursday and Friday.
Opening Day (Thursday, April 9)
The Aintree Bowl (2:55 PM): This is often a “Gold Cup Revenge” race. Keep an eye on the horses that missed Cheltenham to stay fresh for Liverpool. Freshness is key on the Mildmay course.
The Aintree Hurdle (3:30 PM): Look for the speedsters. This 2m 4f trip is a specialist’s distance. We’re seeing a lot of early interest in the younger Novice graduates stepping up to open company.
Ladies Day (Friday, April 10)
The Melling Chase (3:30 PM): Often the most exciting race of the week. It’s a flat-out sprint over 2 miles and 4 furlongs.
The Topham Chase (4:05 PM): This is your “National Preview.” It’s run over the big fences but at a shorter distance. If you want to see which horses handle the spruce fences, this is the race to study.
The Independent Difference: Why Bet with Tony Clayton?
When you look at the odds above, you might see similar numbers elsewhere. But here is what the corporate chains won’t give you:
- Guaranteed Payouts by Noon: If you win on the phone or in-shop, your assets are cleared and ready by 12:00 PM Sunday. No 5-day “pending” periods.
- No Algorithm Restrictions: We don’t ban you for being a good judge of a horse. We welcome winning punters.
- Local Knowledge: We’ve been part of the Norwich betting scene for decades. We know the horses, the trainers, and the local sentiment.
- Telephone Betting Security: Avoid the Saturday website crashes. Open an account today, and a simple phone call secures your price.
How to Place Your Aintree Bets
- In Person: Visit us at 26 St Georges Hill, Norwich. The atmosphere on Saturday morning is the best in the city.
- On the Phone: Call 01603 801050. Our professional operators are ready to take your National and Festival bets instantly.
- Online: Register at tonyclayton.co.uk to view live market movers.
Support your local independent. Let’s make the 2026 Grand National one to remember.
