The 2026 Grand National headlines our Aintree tips for Saturday and, with a strong supporting card in Liverpool, we’ve got selections for all seven races.
Alongside the world’s most famous steeplechase, there are three Grade One contests, two more competitive handicaps and a red-hot bumper for punters to try and figure out.
Aintree Saturday Tips – Grand National Festival Day 3
12:45 Tip
12:45 Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices’ Chase – Salvator Mundi
The six-year-old is already an Aintree winner, having taken the Top Novices’ Hurdle last term, and appears to be getting his act together over fences after initially finding the switch a tricky one.
Salvator Mundi scored by 28 lengths when making all in a canter at Thurles in February and the feeling is that he still has much to offer over bigger obstacles, with a Grade One breakthrough within his grasp here.
13:20 Tip
13:20 William Hill Handicap Hurdle – Supremely West
Dan Skelton’s eight-year-old has been raised 9lb for his Pertemps Network Final triumph but scored in such smooth style at Cheltenham that he may have the scope to cope with such an uplift.
13:55 Tip
13:55 Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle – Charisma Cat
Alan King’s mare has earned this step up in class to Grade One company with nice wins at Chepstow and Newbury and will also benefit from the experience of having run at Liverpool last season following three bumper victories.
14:30 Tip
14:30 William Hill Handicap Chase – Brave Fortune
Having struck three times in his last six outings for Pat Doyle, this will be a third start for Joseph O’Brien and he looks ripe for a return to winning ways after being given time to recover from a close second at Thurles in January.
15:05 Tip
15:05 Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle – Strong Leader (NAP)
Olly Murphy’s powerful stayer is likely to enjoy a return to his favourite track and arrives at Aintree a fresh horse after sidestepping Cheltenham.
Successful in this race in 2024 and second last term, the nine-year-old seems to reserve his best performances for Liverpool, as he was also second in the Top Novices’ Hurdle and a winner here as a younger horse.
This season has brought mixed results, with a Wetherby triumph followed by solid seconds at Newbury and Ascot before a disappointing run in the Cleeve Hurdle prompted connections to give him a wind operation.
However, with that move and such an evident love of this course boosting hopes of a resurgence, Strong Leader appeals in a wide-open Grade One affair.
16:00 Tip
16:00 Randox Grand National – I Am Maximus
After taking top honours in 2024 and finishing second last season, Willie Mullins’ charge can emulate the great Red Rum by regaining his title.
Paul Townend could have opted for another leading fancy in the shape of Grangeclare West, but sticks with the 10-year-old, who fairly sprinted home seven and a half lengths ahead a couple of seasons ago.
He returned 12 months ago and was a fine runner-up behind stablemate Nick Rockett, when proving that he can cope with carrying a big weight throughout this marathon contest.
The JP McManus-owned gelding has run three times since, warming to the task with a runner-up finish in the Savills Chase and then a fifth-placed effort in the Irish Gold Cup.
With that in mind, he ticks every essential box and with last year’s conqueror Nick Rockett ruled out, I Am Maximus should have every chance of putting in another bold National showing.
For a runner-by-runner guide to the big race, check out our Grand National preview here.
17:00 Tip
17:00 Weatherbys Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race – Bass Hunter
Chris Gordon’s pride and joy followed up smart wins at Newbury and Ascot with a fine third in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, where he blazed a trail until being reeled in late on, so this course should suit.
Grand National Day Betting Tips
Aintree Saturday Betting Tips – Grand National Festival Day 3
Salvator Mundi – 12:45 Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices’ Chase
Supremely West – 13:20 William Hill Handicap Hurdle
Charisma Cat – 13:55 Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle
Brave Fortune – 14:30 William Hill Handicap Chase
Strong Leader (NAP) – 15:05 Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle
I Am Maximus – 16:00 Randox Grand National
Bass Hunter – 17:00 Weatherbys Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
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