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Jumps · Grand National

How to Watch the Grand National

The Grand National is free-to-air in the UK. Here is how to watch it on television, online and on the radio.

Watching the Grand National on TV

The Grand National is one of British sport's great free-to-air occasions. The race is broadcast live on UK television without a subscription, as part of a long afternoon of coverage from Aintree that builds through the supporting races to the National itself. The confirmed broadcaster and channel are announced by Aintree in the build-up to the meeting.

What time is the Grand National?

The Grand National is staged in the late afternoon on the Saturday of the three-day Grand National Festival. It is deliberately scheduled as one of the day's feature races, giving the build-up time to grow. The precise off-time is published by Aintree with the raceday programme, always worth checking on the morning of the race.

Live streaming and other ways to follow

Beyond the television coverage, there are several ways to follow the race:

  • Bookmaker streams, major operators stream the race to eligible account holders who are funded or have placed a qualifying bet.
  • Broadcaster online player, the official broadcaster's streaming service typically carries the race for UK viewers.
  • Radio, national radio provides live commentary for anyone following along away from a screen.

On the day

For the full picture of the race, the runners, the history and the betting, see our main Grand National hub.

Frequently asked questions

What channel is the Grand National on?
The Grand National is broadcast live on free-to-air UK television, so no subscription is needed to watch it. The confirmed broadcaster and channel for each year's race are announced by Aintree ahead of the meeting.
What time is the Grand National?
The Grand National is run in the late afternoon on the Saturday of the Grand National Festival. The exact off-time is confirmed by Aintree with the raceday programme, it is one of the later races on the card.
Can I live stream the Grand National?
Yes. As well as the free-to-air television coverage, major bookmakers stream the race to eligible, funded account holders, and the broadcaster's own online player typically carries the race for UK viewers.