The most famous steeplechase in the world is almost upon us, with fans preparing the sweepstakes and getting ready for one of the biggest spectacles of the British sporting calendar. The Grand National is the prize that all jump jockeys, owners and trainers want on their CV with Aintree a place where legends such as Red Rum and Tiger Roll are born.
This year, winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and defending National winner Rachael Blackmore will steer Minella Times around the famous 4m 2 1/2f course on Merseyside. Irish jockey Blackmore became the first woman to win the National for Henry De Bromhead in 2021 and will be hoping that the return of fans can bring her home for another triumph.
This is the first Grand National to be staged with a full capacity crowd at Aintree since before the COVID-19 pandemic and fans will be excited to get back to the iconic venue to cheer their favourite horse home. Up to 600 million people globally could be watching the spectacle, making it the most viewed British horse race and you won't want to miss a thing - here is everything you need to know:
READ MORE: Runners, riders and odds for Liverpool's NHS Day races on Thursday at Aintree
When is the Grand National?
The Grand National meeting takes place from Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th of April with the main event taking place on Saturday afternoon.
What time is the Grand National?
The Grand National takes place at 17:45pm , live from Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.
How can I watch the Grand National?
The racing will be broadcast live on ITV, with coverage starting at 2pm on Saturday and running all the way through until the conclusion of the Grand National.
What is the schedule on Grand National Day?
Saturday 9 April 2022
- 1.45pm: The Gaskells Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
- 2.25pm: The Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 3pm: The Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
- 3.40pm: The Betway Handicap Steeple Chase (Listed)
- 4.20pm: The Ryanair Stayers’ Hurdle (Registered as the Liverpool Hurdle) (Grade 1)
- 5.15pm: The Randox Health Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3)
- 6.15pm: The Pinsent Masons Handicap Hurdle (cond’ and amat’) (Class 2)
