How do I watch the Aintree Grand National on TV this year? Which channels can I watch it on, and will it be in HD?
Kev, via email
Well, Kev, this year you can watch all three days of the Grand National on ITV. And, to ensure the only ones jumping over hurdles are the horses, we’ve put everything you need to know about watching the event, including race times, on the page below.
Let’s take a look:
When does the Aintree Grand National start?
The Aintree Grand National runs from Thursday April 4 to Saturday April 6.
How to watch the Aintree Grand National?
On TV
As we say, live coverage of all three race days will be broadcast on ITV 1, and you can also watch the action in HD on ITV HD, too. Like last year, race commentary will be provided by Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani.
In addition, you can also catch all the action on Racing TV. Formally Racing UK, the subscription service is available on a variety of different platforms, including Freeview, Youview, Sky and Virgin Media.
Online
If you’re out and about, you'll be able to watch the races for free on the ITV app. Indeed, the app is available on Apple iPhone and iPad, as well as on Android and tablet. To access the app, simply visit the ITV Hub website, and sign up for an account.
Oh, and if you have an account with a bookmaker, you might be able to watch the races via their website, too.
And the rest...
BBC Radio 5 Live will report live from Aintree for the full three days with commentary from Cornelius Lysaght, and you can also catch live action on all three race days with Talk Sport, too.
Race times
So, there you go. That’s how to watch the event, here’s what times the races are on:
Grand National Thursday - Thursday, April 4
| Time | Race |
| 1.45pm | Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) |
| 2.20pm | Doom Bar Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) |
| 2.50pm | Betway Bowl Chase (Grade 1) |
| 3.25pm | Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) |
| 4.05pm | Randox Health Foxhunters’ Chase GNC (Grade 1) |
| 4.40pm | Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3) |
| 5.15pm | Goffs Nickel Coin Makers’ Standard Open NHF Race (Grade 2) |
Ladies Day - Friday, April 5
| Time | Race |
| 1.45pm | Merseyrail Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) |
| 2.20pm | Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) |
| 2.50pm | Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) |
| 3.25pm | JLT Chase (Grade 1) |
| 4.05pm | Randox Health Topham Handicap Chase (Grade 3) |
| 4.40pm | Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) |
| 5.15pm | Weatherbys Racing Bank Standard Open NHF Race (Grade 2) |
Grand National Day - Saturday, April 6
| Time | Race |
| 1.45pm | Gaskells Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) |
| 2.25pm | Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) |
| 3.00pm | Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) |
| 3.40pm | Ryanair Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) |
| 4.20pm | Betway Handicap Chase (Grade 3) |
| 5.15pm | Randox Health Grand National (Grade 3) |
| 6.20pm | Pinsent Masons Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys and Amateur Riders) |
