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Aintree Confirms 72‑Hour Declarations for 2026 Grand National

The policy mirrors the Derby's 72‑hour model introduced last year.

Overview

  • Final declarations shift to Wednesday, April 8, fixing the field three days before the April 11 race.
  • The reserve list expands to six, with substitutions permitted until 1pm on Friday, April 10.
  • Grand National Day will begin at 12:45pm, while the main race keeps its 4pm slot.
  • Both Grade One races on the card will be staged before the National, leaving only the 5pm bumper afterward.
  • Aintree says the earlier timeline is intended to give participants, stakeholders and fans greater certainty and may raise the chance of non‑runners.