The Welsh Grand National 2026 is on Bank Holiday Monday 28 December at Chepstow, a day later than usual. Chepstow moved it as part of a new four-day Christmas racing programme. It's a long distance handicap chase, usually run on testing winter ground, and Chepstow lists a £170,000 prize fund for the day.
Welsh Grand National 2026: Monday 28 December at Chepstow
The race used to be run on 27 December. In 2026 Chepstow moved it to Bank Holiday Monday 28 December, as part of a plan from the British Horseracing Authority, ITV Racing and Entain to create a four-day Christmas racing programme. The Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton moves to 27 December as part of the same change.
| Detail | Welsh Grand National 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday 28 December 2026 |
| Course | Chepstow |
| Races on the card | Seven |
| First race | 12.05pm |
| Last race | 3.35pm |
| Prize fund | £170,000 |
The off time for the Welsh National itself is confirmed closer to the day.
What kind of race is the Welsh Grand National?
It's a handicap chase over about three miles and six furlongs, one of the longest and toughest staying chases of the winter. Chepstow's ground is often heavy in late December, so stamina and form on soft ground count for a lot.
Handicaps give every horse a weight based on its rating, so the field is designed to be competitive. That's why big priced winners are common, and why each way betting suits the race.
How to bet on the Welsh Grand National
Big fields usually mean four places paid at 1/4 odds as standard, and often more with extra place offers. For example, £5 each way at 20/1 costs £10. If the horse finishes in the places but doesn't win, it returns £30.00, a £20.00 profit.
- Look for extra place offers. A fifth or sixth place paid makes a real difference in a field this size.
- Winter ground means late non-runners, so expect Rule 4 deductions if you take an early price.
- Ante-post bets are lost if your horse doesn't run, unless the bookmaker offers non-runner no bet.
- Take best odds guaranteed on the day, in case your horse drifts.
More racing calculators:Rule 4 calculatorForecast and tricast calculatorLucky 15 calculator
Christmas racing 2026: Kempton, Chepstow and Newbury
The Welsh National follows two days of Kempton's Christmas Festival, with the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. Chepstow says the Challow Hurdle at Newbury moves to 29 December, so there's top level jumps racing on four days in a row. Our Boxing Day racing 2026 post covers the King George.
Questions people ask
When is the Welsh Grand National 2026?
Bank Holiday Monday 28 December 2026 at Chepstow.
Why has the Welsh Grand National moved?
It's part of a new four-day Christmas racing programme from the British Horseracing Authority, ITV Racing and Entain. The race moves back a day from its usual 27 December date.
How long is the Welsh Grand National?
About three miles and six furlongs. It's one of the longest chases of the winter.
How much is the Welsh Grand National worth?
Chepstow lists a £170,000 prize fund for the 2026 Welsh Grand National day.