The Grand National is the one race of the year that almost everyone in the UK has a bet on. So bookmakers work hard to win your custom, and Grand National free bets, extra places and money back specials appear everywhere. Here’s when the 2027 race takes place, how the main Aintree offers work, how to use a welcome free bet on the National, and how to keep your betting under control.
Grand National 2027 at a glance
- Festival dates: Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 April 2027 at Aintree.
- Grand National day: Saturday 10 April 2027.
- The race: about 4 miles 2½ furlongs, 30 jumps and a maximum of 34 runners.
- Common offers: extra places, best odds guaranteed, non-runner no bet and new-customer free bets.
- All offers are 18+ and T&Cs apply.
When is the Grand National 2027?
The 2027 Randox Grand National Festival runs from Thursday 8 April to Saturday 10 April, according to the Jockey Club’s official Grand National page. The National itself takes place on the Saturday, the final day of the meeting.
Race times and sponsors can change nearer the day. For that reason, it’s worth checking the official racecard in the week before.
About the race
The Grand National is a handicap chase over about four and a quarter miles. Runners jump 30 fences over two circuits, so it tests stamina as much as jumping. It also features the most famous fences in racing: Becher’s Brook, the Canal Turn and The Chair.
The race has changed in recent years. In 2024, the organisers cut the maximum field from 40 to 34 runners. They also moved the start time earlier, from 5.15pm to around 4pm, and made changes at the first fence for horse welfare. However, 34 runners is still a huge field, and that matters for each-way betting.
The Aintree Festival, day by day
| Day | Date | Feature races |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Opening Day | Thursday 8 April | Aintree Bowl and Aintree Hurdle |
| Day 2: Ladies Day | Friday 9 April | Melling Chase and Top Novices’ Hurdle |
| Day 3: Grand National Day | Saturday 10 April | Grand National and Liverpool Hurdle |
Each day has seven races, with several Grade 1 contests. Thursday’s Aintree Bowl is a three-mile chase that often attracts Gold Cup horses. On Friday, the Melling Chase suits top two-and-a-half-mile chasers. Then Saturday builds up to the National, with the Maghull Novices’ Chase and Liverpool Hurdle earlier on the card.
Types of Grand National free bets and offers
Grand National free bets and racing specials come in several forms. Welcome offers are for new customers only. By contrast, racing specials are often open to existing customers too. Here are the main ones you’ll see.
Extra places
This is the big one for the National. Standard terms for a 16+ runner handicap pay four places at 1/4 of the odds. However, many bookmakers pay five, six, seven or even eight places on the National. The fraction sometimes drops to 1/5 when they extend the places, so check both parts of the terms.
Best odds guaranteed (BOG)
You take a price on a horse. If its starting price (SP) ends up bigger, the bookmaker pays you at the SP instead. It costs nothing extra, but some bookmakers only apply it from a set time on race day.
Non-runner no bet (NRNB)
Ante-post betting on the National starts months in advance. Normally, you lose your stake if your horse doesn’t run. With NRNB, you get your stake back instead. Bookmakers often switch this on in the weeks before the race.
Money back specials
These refund your stake in set situations, for example if your horse falls or finishes second. Refunds usually come as free bets, and they often carry a cap.
Free bet welcome offers
The classic “bet £10, get free bets” sign-up offers run all year. Some bookmakers also tailor them to racing around Aintree. Our free bets comparison lists the current ones, with the key terms at a glance.
How to use Grand National free bets from a welcome offer
Using Grand National free bets from a sign-up offer is simple, as long as you check a few things first.
- Check the qualifying bet. Some offers need the first bet at set minimum odds. Our qualifying bets guide explains the rules.
- Check you can use the free bet on racing. Some free bets only work on certain sports or markets.
- Watch the expiry date. Free bets often last around seven days. So if you sign up weeks early, they may expire before the race.
- Check each-way is allowed. Not every free bet can go on each-way.
- Remember the stake isn’t returned. Free bets usually pay winnings only. Our how free bets work guide explains why bigger prices often suit them.
If you’re new to this, our easy sports offers are the simplest to claim.
Each-way betting on the National
With up to 34 runners and plenty of big prices, the National is the classic each-way race. As a result, extra places can make a real difference. A horse that finishes sixth pays nothing on standard terms, yet it can still pay out with a bookmaker offering six places or more.
Remember that an each-way bet is two bets, so £5 each-way costs £10. Also, a bookmaker offering extra places may price some horses shorter, so compare the odds too. Our each-way betting guide explains place terms in full. To see what a bet would return, try the each-way calculator.
Staying in control on Grand National day
The National brings out lots of occasional punters, and the offers can feel hard to resist. In addition, three days of racing add up quickly. So a few simple habits help:
- Set a budget for the whole festival before Thursday, and don’t top it up.
- Use deposit limits. Every UKGC-licensed bookmaker lets you set them in your account.
- Don’t open accounts just for offers you don’t understand. Read the terms first.
- Don’t chase losses. Grand National free bets are a bonus, not a reason to bet more.
- Take a break if it stops being fun. Our responsible gambling page lists free tools and support.
If you enjoy the big festivals, our Cheltenham free bets guide covers the other major meeting of the jumps season.
Free bet offers ahead of Aintree
These are some of the easiest sign-up offers to claim right now. New customers only, and T&Cs apply:
Free bet offers
Paddy Power Sports Easy Low risk
£30 in free bets
18+ · Code YSKAST · £5 bet at evens+ · £30 free bets · 30 days · Debit/Apple Pay/bank
Full T&Cs
18+ · New Customer offer - Use promo code YSKAST. Place a min £5 bet on the sportsbook at odds of min EVS (2.0) and get £30 in free bets. Free bet rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via Pay by Bank, Debit Cards & Apple Pay will qualify for this offer. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly
Kwiff Sports Easy Very low risk
£40 in free bets
18+ · £10 bet at 2.0+ in 5 days · 4 x £10 free bets (3+ legs each) · 7-day expiry
Full T&Cs
New UK customers. £10 cash bet, min. odds 2.0, in 5 days of deposit. Get 4x £10 Free Bets: Single, 2 Accas & Bet Builder (3+ legs each). Excl. cashout, E/W, Multis, Ineligible Markets & Odds Boosts. 7-day expiry. T&Cs apply. 18+ | GambleAware
Unibet Sports Easy Very low risk
£40 in free bets
18+ · Opt in · Dep & bet £20 at 2.0+ in 7 days · £40 free bets · 7 days · Debit/bank only
Full T&Cs
18+ | GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Opt in, deposit and Bet £20+ on sports at min odds of 2.0+ (1/1) for £40 in Free Bets within 7 days of registration. Debit cards or instant bank transfers only. Free bets expire within 7 days of issue. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply.
Sky Bet Easy Low risk
£30 in free bets
18+ · First £5+ single/EW bet at evens+ · 3 x £10 bet tokens · 30 days · Stake not returned
Full T&Cs
18+ · New customers only. First single & E/W bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 X £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.
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Grand National free bets FAQ
The 2027 Grand National takes place on Saturday 10 April at Aintree. It’s the final day of the three-day festival, which starts on Thursday 8 April. Usually, yes. Most sports welcome offers give free bets you can use on horse racing. However, check for any sport or market limits, and make sure the free bets won’t expire before the race. Standard terms pay four places at 1/4 of the odds. Many bookmakers go further, though, and pay five to eight places. The fraction can change too, so check the terms on the bet slip. If your horse doesn’t take part in the race, you get your stake back. It matters most for ante-post bets placed weeks or months before the National. Only for welcome offers, which are for new customers. Racing specials such as extra places and best odds guaranteed are often open to existing customers too.When is the Grand National 2027?
Can I use a welcome free bet on the Grand National?
How many places do bookmakers pay on the Grand National?
What does non-runner no bet mean?
Do I need a new account for Grand National offers?
18+ only. Free bets and welcome offers are for new customers and T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, visit our responsible gambling page or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Free advice is also available from BeGambleAware.org.
