2026 Grand National TV and streaming particulars together with find out how to watch without cost
Need to know
TV, streaming and radio information for the 2026 Grand National at Aintree
The biggest horse race of the year takes place today(Image: Michael Steele, Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about following the 2026 Grand National
- Date and start time: The 2026 Grand National will take place on Saturday, April 11. The main race, boasting a maximum field of 34 horses, gets underway at 4pm BST.
- Location: The contest takes place at the legendary Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. This famous venue has staged the steeplechase since 1839.
- UK TV channel: Free-to-air broadcasting of the race will be delivered by ITV1. This guarantees that supporters nationwide can view the drama without a subscription, maintaining the enduring tradition of terrestrial television for the occasion.
- Coverage times: The official ITV Racing transmission on ITV1 will commence at 12.55pm and continue throughout the afternoon. The show features numerous other races and commentary building up to the main spectacle.
- Streaming: You can view the race live online through the ITVX website. This platform offers a premium digital feed of the ITV1 broadcast, available to any UK viewer holding a valid TV licence.
- Mobile streaming: For viewers on the go, the race can be streamed via the ITVX app, downloadable on iOS and Android devices. Simply access the app and navigate to the live TV section to watch the ITV1 coverage in real-time.
- Sky and Virgin users: If you’re a digital TV subscriber, you can also tune in via the Sky Go or Virgin TV Go apps. These platforms replicate the live terrestrial broadcast, enabling you to flip between the Grand National and other sporting events.
- UK radio coverage: Comprehensive live commentary will be delivered by BBC Radio 5 Live. Their coverage typically kicks off well ahead of the race.
- Alternative radio options: Besides the BBC, talkSPORT also offers live updates and commentary throughout the Aintree Festival. You can listen in via DAB radio, the talkSPORT app, or smart speakers by requesting “play talkSPORT.”
- READ MORE: Grand National-winning super jockey gets ultimate honour
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.
