Grand National Opening Day

Aintree Thursday Overview

Every year, Grand National week kicks off in style on a Thursday, when Aintree Racecourse throws open its gates for an afternoon of high-quality jumping and early-festival excitement. It may not match the enormous crowds seen on Grand National Saturday, but it still pulls in a seriously strong turnout. Around 35,000 people typically make their way through the turnstiles, creating an atmosphere that is vibrant without being overwhelmingly busy.

For many jumps racing enthusiasts, this is one of the true highlights of the spring calendar. Only Cheltenham can really compete in terms of prestige and anticipation, and even the most casual racegoer knows that the Thursday at Aintree often serves up some of the very best action of the whole meeting. The racing begins at 1:45pm and, with seven top-level contests scheduled throughout the afternoon, fans can expect to see leading runners from both sides of the Irish Sea battling it out.

When Is Grand National Thursday?

The date of the festival shifts slightly each year, thanks largely to where Easter ends up falling in the calendar. For 2026, things line up so that the Grand National Festival begins on Thursday 9th April. That places it neatly about a month after the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, which concludes in mid-March. As always, Aintree Grand National Ladies Day follows on the Friday, in this case 10th April, before the meeting finishes on Grand National Saturday.

It’s always worth checking the dates early, because hotel rooms, travel and hospitality options in and around Liverpool tend to fill up well before entries are announced. The Thursday card has built a loyal following of its own over the years, which only adds to the sense of anticipation once the dates are confirmed.

How Many Races Take Place on Aintree Thursday?

Grand National Thursday marks the official start of the three-day festival, and racegoers are treated to a full programme of seven races. The prize money on offer exceeds £900,000, which tells you everything about the standard of horses expected to compete. These races attract the biggest names in the sport, with trainers targeting Aintree months in advance in the hope of securing early festival success.

Whether you’re a seasoned punter, a once-a-year attendee or someone who simply enjoys a day in the fresh air watching some extraordinary athletes in action, the Thursday card offers something for everyone. Each race brings its own storylines, its standout contenders and its chance of producing a performance that sets the tone for the weekend.

Why Go to Grand National Thursday?

There are plenty of arguments in favour of choosing Thursday as your festival day, but perhaps the most persuasive is simply the value for money. You still get the world-class racing, the big names and the electric sense of anticipation, yet at a fraction of the price you’d pay to attend on the Saturday. It’s an excellent compromise for racegoers who want to experience Aintree at its best without stretching their budget too far.

Then there’s the quality of the card itself. With four Grade One races sitting proudly on the schedule, Thursday at Aintree is widely considered one of the great days of jumps racing in the UK. Many purists argue that it even rivals Cheltenham in terms of pure sporting merit. And with the excitement of the Grand National building in the background, the festival mood is fully set without tipping over into the complete mayhem of Saturday.

There’s also the possibility of spotting a few familiar faces in the crowd. Sporting heroes with strong links to the region often pop up at Aintree, including the likes of Michael Owen, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Sharp and Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek. They tend to be more accessible on Thursday too, before the focus turns fully to the Grand National itself.

What Time Does Racing Start on Grand National Thursday?

The action begins at around 1:45pm on Thursday 9th April 2026, giving racegoers plenty of time to settle in, grab a drink, find their bearings and soak up the atmosphere before the opener. Horses and riders usually start heading to the course around 15 minutes before the off, building the familiar buzz that always accompanies the first race of a festival meeting. The curtain-raiser is the Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase, which traditionally sets a competitive and energetic tone for the afternoon.

Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning for your yearly pilgrimage, Grand National Thursday has become a firm favourite for many. It offers exceptional racing, a relaxed but lively atmosphere and a perfect introduction to one of the biggest weekends in British sport.