How to watch the Grand National: TV, live stream and radio

he world’s most famous horse race has arrived, with Aintree set to host this year’s Grand National on Saturday afternoon.

Last year’s renewal of the race was cancelled outright because of the coronavirus pandemic, meaning racing fans have had to wait a full two years to see the sport’s equine stars tackle the famous Aintree fences.

Dual winner Tiger Roll will not be part of the 40-strong field, after his owners ruled him out of an historic hat-trick attempt on account of what they deemed an unfair handicap mark – though that was before he bolted up to win at the Cheltenham Festival for a fifth time last month.

Nonetheless, a fascinating spectacle remains guaranteed, and here is everything you need to know about how to follow it…

ITV have coverage of all three days of the Grand National meeting, which runs from Thursday, April 8 to Saturday, April 10.

On Thursday and Friday, coverage runs from 2pm to 5pm, while on Saturday the programme starts at 2pm and runs all the way through to 6:15pm. The Grand National itself is due off at 5:15pm on Saturday.

In addition, ITV4 will also have The Opening Show each morning at 9:30pm to preview the day’s racing.

However, the only TV channel where you can watch all seven races on the card live is Racing TV. 

The subscription channel has comprehensive build-up, analysis and reaction on all four days and offers deals for day passes as well as monthly and annual subscriptions. 

Both ITV’s main coverage and The Opening Show will be streamed live on the ITV Hub website and app, meaning TV licence holders can watch the action on desktop, tablet and mobile.

Similarly, Racing TV offers a streaming service online for its subscribers at no additional cost. 

BBC Radio 5Live will have coverage from Aintree starting at 12pm on Saturday, including full commentary of the Grand National at 5:15pm.