What time is the Grand National on TV? Odds, suggestions, each runner and find out how to watch

Need to know

The complete lowdown ahead of the 2026 Grand National, including start time, field, bookies’ favourites and tips

Everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 Grand National

1. When does the Grand National start? The Grand National is scheduled for Saturday, April 11. The main event, with a maximum field of 34 horses, is set to start at 4pm BST.
2. All horses running in the Grand National: 1. I AM MAXIMUS 7-1 3. BANBRIDGE 33-1 4. GRANGECLARE WEST 9-1 5. GERRI COLOMBE 22-1 6. HAITI COULEURS 16-1 8. FIREFOX 50-1 9. MONTY’S STAR 11-1 10. SPANISH HARLEM 33-1 11. LECKY WATSON 28-1 12. CHAMP KIELY 28-1 13. IROKO 12-1 14. FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU 33-1 15. THREE CARD BRAG 50-1 16. OSCAR’S BROTHER 16-1 17. MR VANGO 66-1 18. HIGH CLASS HERO 50-1 19. STELLAR STORY 25-1 20. BEAUPORT 80-1 21. CAPTAIN CODY 16-1 22. JAGWAR 9-1 23. PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS 28-1 24. GORGEOUS TOM 20-1 25. THE REAL WHACKER 66-1 26. QUAI DE BOURBON 22-1 27. ANSWER TO KAYF 50-1 28. JORDANS 33-1 29. FINAL ORDERS 22-1 30. MARBLE SANDS 50-1 31. PANIC ATTACK 15-2 32. TOP OF THE BILL 50-1 33. JOHNNYWHO 12-1 34. TWIG 33-1 36. IMPERIAL SAINT 40-1 37. AMIRITE 80-1
3. Who are the favourites for the Grand National? Market frontrunner I Am Maximus was victorious two years ago and finished second last year. Panic Attack has been sensational this season, achieving the Paddy Power/Coral Gold Cup double. Grangeclare West finished third last year and is a strong contender again this year.
4. Grand National tips: Oscar’s Brother is an eight-year-old novice with just six runs over fences under his belt. He’s enjoyed a fantastic season with three victories, capped by a commendable fourth in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham last time out. 1. Oscars Brother 2. Haiti Couleurs 3. Stellar Story 4. Quai De Bourbon
5. How to watch the Grand National for free: The race will be broadcast free-to-air on ITV1. This ensures that fans across the country can enjoy the spectacle without needing a subscription, upholding the long-standing tradition of terrestrial television for the event.
6. Streaming: The race can be viewed live online via the ITVX website. This service offers a high-quality digital stream of the ITV1 broadcast, available to any UK viewer holding a valid TV licence.
7. Coverage time: The official ITV Racing broadcast on ITV1 will kick off at 12.55pm and run throughout the afternoon. The programme includes other races and build-up ahead of the main event.
8. UK radio coverage: Comprehensive live commentary will be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live. Their coverage typically begins well ahead of the race.
9. READ MORE: Grand National-winning super jockey gets ultimate honour

Odds courtesy of bet365 and correct at the time of writing.