Grand National day at Aintree delivered the familiar mix of tension, pace and high stakes as racing moved through a packed afternoon of action. The day’s focus remained firmly on the headline event, where I Am Maximus claimed the Grand National for a second time and joined the race’s most celebrated names.
Alongside the main event, attention also turned to the supporting races on the card, including the Maghull Novice Chase, which provided a lively contest and a clear winner for Dan Skelton, who added another major prize to his record.
Maghull Novice Chase brings fast early pace
The 12.45pm Maghull Novice Chase was run at a brisk tempo from the start, with several runners eager to go forward early. Be Aware jumped to the right at the first fence but still managed to grab the lead, setting the tone for a race that quickly developed into a contest among the front-runners.
Salvatore Mundi moved through the field strongly and joined Be Aware at the head of affairs. The favourite was not especially fluent throughout, but remained in contention as the field turned for home. Kala Conti looked ready to challenge before falling three out, removing one of the main threats from the race.
Mirabad then emerged as the key challenger. Once in position to strike, he took up the running and kicked clear to win easily. It was a decisive performance and a notable success for Dan Skelton, described in the live coverage as the outgoing champion trainer, who landed another major race on the card.
Betting for the Maghull Novice Chase
The betting before the race reflected the strength of the market leaders, with Salvatore Mundi sent off as the clear favourite at 11/10. Kala Conti was next in the betting at 11/4, followed by Mighty Bandit at 7/1 and Be Aware at 10/1.
No Questions Asked was priced at 20/1, Alnilam at 22/1, while Mirabad and King Of Kingsfield were both available at 50/1. Full betting information was available via Oddschecker.
Aintree’s biggest day
Grand National day is always the centrepiece of the Aintree festival, and the 2026 running once again drew attention to the race’s long history and enduring appeal. I Am Maximus’s repeat success placed him among the legends of the event, reinforcing his status in one of racing’s most famous contests.
With live coverage continuing through the afternoon, the atmosphere around the meeting remained focused on the major races and the stories unfolding on the track. The Grand National itself provided the standout moment of the day, while the earlier action on the card, including Mirabad’s comfortable win in the Maghull Novice Chase, helped shape a memorable afternoon at Aintree.
The meeting underlined why Grand National day remains one of the sport’s most watched occasions: a blend of drama, anticipation and decisive performances across the card. From early pace in the novice chase to the prestige of the National itself, Aintree once again produced a day of racing with both history and immediate impact.
