The Grand National start time remains at 4pm in 2026, but the opening race on the card will begin earlier at 12.45pm to improve scheduling and reduce participant build-up before the main event.

This schedule aligns the Grand National with other major events, adopting 72-hour declarations similar to the Derby at Epsom and comparable to the Melbourne Cup and Kentucky Derby.

The running order now places both Grade One races before the Grand National, addressing feedback about the previous arrangement where a Maghull Novices’ Chase followed immediately after the main race.

Starting with the 2026 renewal, the Grand National will implement 72-hour declarations, with final field confirmation on the Wednesday three days before the race instead of Thursday.

Post-race, only the Grade Two Bumper will follow the Grand National, beginning at 5pm as in previous years.

The change increases the likelihood of non-runners and raises reserve numbers from four to six, with reserves eligible to be brought in up to 1pm the day before the race.