What Time is the Grand National – 2027 Start Time, Schedule and TV Details

The Randox Grand National stands as Britain’s most prestigious steeplechase, drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers and up to 152,000 spectators to Aintree Racecourse each year. As the 2027 festival approaches, interest peaks around the central question: what time does the Grand National actually start? Understanding the race timing, broadcast details, and supporting schedule helps fans plan their viewing or attendance experience.

The Grand National has captured public imagination since its first official running at Aintree in 1839. The race challenges both horse and jockey across nearly four and a half miles of demanding terrain, navigating 30 fences in two circuits around the famous course. This combination of distance, obstacles, and the unpredictable nature of live competition explains why approximately 60% of runners typically fail to complete the course.

For those planning to watch at home or at the racecourse, the start time and broadcast arrangements remain the most sought-after details in the lead-up to the event. With the festival spanning three days and featuring numerous supporting races alongside the main event, knowing exactly when to tune in or arrive makes all the difference.

What Time is the Grand National 2027?

The main event of the 2027 festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 10, at 4:00 PM UK time. This timing follows the established tradition of recent years, with the race typically starting in mid-afternoon to maximise both track conditions and viewer accessibility. The 4:00 PM start time allows those in attendance at Aintree Racecourse to enjoy the full day of racing while ensuring prime-time positioning for home viewers.

The Grand National Festival extends across three days, creating a full week of racing entertainment. Thursday, April 8 marks Randox Opening Day, featuring the first competitive races of the festival with live music and entertainment following the racing action. Friday, April 9 brings Randox Ladies Day, combining competitive racing with a stylish racegoer competition. Saturday, April 10 then culminates with Grand National Day itself, the main event that draws the largest crowd of the festival.

• The Grand National covers 4 miles 514 yards across two complete circuits
• Runners must clear 30 fences, including the notorious Becher’s Brook and The Chair
• A standing start was introduced in 2024, replacing the previous starting method
• The first fence was moved 60 yards closer to the start line for 2024
• Up to 34 horses typically start, though not all finish the demanding course
• Gates open at 10:00 AM on Grand National Day, allowing early arrival
• Full schedules and tickets are available through The Jockey Club website

What Channel is the Grand National On?

Those preferring to watch from home have traditionally enjoyed free-to-air coverage through ITV and its streaming platform ITVX. The broadcaster has held rights to the Grand National for numerous years, providing comprehensive race-day coverage that includes pre-race analysis, live race presentation, and post-race commentary. ITVX allows viewers to stream content live or catch up afterwards, accommodating those unable to watch at the exact broadcast time.

Viewing Options and Subscription Services

Beyond the main ITV coverage, Racing TV offers an alternative for dedicated racing enthusiasts. This subscription channel provides dedicated horse racing content throughout the year, including the Grand National Festival. Racing TV typically offers multiple camera angles and more detailed race analysis compared to mainstream broadcast coverage, appealing to those with deeper interest in form guide information and jockey perspectives.

The global audience for the Grand National extends well beyond UK viewers, with international broadcast arrangements varying by region. The race’s reputation as the world’s most famous steeplechase ensures substantial media coverage across multiple territories, though specific international channel arrangements would need verification closer to the event date.

Grand National Runners: Current Favourites

The final list of runners for the Grand National is confirmed only days before the race, with bookmakers updating their odds continuously as the event approaches. The ante-post market provides an indication of which horses trainers and the betting public believe have the best chances, though circumstances can change dramatically in the final preparations.

As of the most recent available data, several horses stood out in the ante-post betting markets. I Am Maximus led the early market at odds of 12/1, representing a horse with proven stamina and jumping ability suited to the demanding Aintree test. Four horses shared second favouritism at 16/1: Iroko, Jordans, Soldier In Milan, and another at matching odds. Further down the market, Nick Rockett, Grangeclare West, and Kiss Will all held positions at 25/1.

Odds fluctuate based on numerous factors including recent form, training reports, and market movement. The confirmed field of up to 34 horses will not be announced until shortly before the race, with scratches and late declarations occasionally affecting the final lineup. Those interested in specific odds should check directly with bookmakers for the most current information.

Who Won the Grand National?

The 2026 Grand National took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026. However, detailed results from that race were not available in the information examined for this article. Race results typically become confirmed within hours of the race completing, with official records maintained by The Jockey Club and covered extensively by racing media outlets.

The historical record shows Red Rum as the most successful horse in Grand National history, achieving three victories. The youngest winner on record remains Bruce Hobbs, who triumphed at just 17 years old. These achievements highlight the extraordinary demands of the race, requiring either exceptional longevity from horses or remarkable youth and skill from jockeys.

For those seeking immediate access to current race results, BBC Racing Results Today provides comprehensive coverage of racing outcomes across UK and Irish meetings. Similarly, detailed analysis of major sporting results helps contextualise where the Grand National fits within the broader sporting calendar.

Grand National 2027 Day Schedule

The Grand National Festival follows a structured three-day format, with each day offering its own distinct character while building toward Saturday’s main event. Understanding the daily rhythm helps spectators maximise their time at Aintree or follow the action appropriately from home.

1. Thursday, April 8 — Randox Opening Day: The festival begins with competitive racing across multiple disciplines, followed by evening entertainment including live music. This day establishes the tone for the festival and often features competitive fields in their own right.
2. Friday, April 9 — Randox Ladies Day: Combining quality racing with fashion and style, Ladies Day attracts both serious racing fans and those celebrating special occasions. The stylish racegoer competition adds an additional element of spectacle to the racing programme.
3. Saturday, April 10 — Grand National Day: Gates open at 10:00 AM, with supporting races running throughout the afternoon before the main event at 4:00 PM. The atmosphere builds progressively through the day until the Grand National itself concludes the festival.

Aintree Racecourse sits approximately five miles from Liverpool city centre, with excellent public transport connections serving both local and visiting spectators. The racecourse has hosted the Grand National since 1839, establishing a heritage that draws visitors from across the United Kingdom and beyond. Tickets for Grand National Day traditionally sell quickly, with online booking through official channels recommended for securing the best prices and availability.

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

The official Jockey Club sources confirm the fundamental timing and structure of the event, providing reliable anchors for planning purposes. However, certain details remain subject to update as the event approaches. The runner confirmations, in particular, represent live information that changes as trainers make late declarations or withdraw horses from consideration.

Grand National History and Course Context

Aintree Racecourse has hosted the Grand National since 1839, establishing the event as a cornerstone of British sporting tradition. The course’s proximity to Liverpool city centre, approximately five miles away, has contributed to its accessibility for generations of racegoers. Public transport options continue to serve the venue effectively, with Merseyrail services connecting to nearby stations.

The Grand National prize fund has grown substantially over the years, reaching £1 million in 2017 and attracting increasingly competitive international fields. The race’s unique combination of distance, fence quantity, and the demanding nature of the Aintree circuit creates a test unlike any other in steeplechase racing. This difficulty explains why approximately 60% of runners typically fail to complete the course, even among horses specifically bred and trained for this challenge.

The introduction of a standing start in 2024 represented one of the most significant rule changes in recent history. This modification altered how the race begins, affecting both horse positioning and the initial charge toward the first fence. Combined with the relocation of the first fence 60 yards closer to the start line, these changes aim to improve safety while maintaining the event’s legendary intensity.

Sources and Official Information

The Jockey Club serves as the official governing body for the Grand National, maintaining direct authority over the event’s scheduling, venue management, and official communications. Their website provides the most authoritative source for confirmed timing, ticket availability, and event updates.

The Grand National 2027 is scheduled for Saturday, April 10, at 4:00 PM UK time at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool.

— The Jockey Club, official event schedule

Coverage details from ESPN and William Hill provide additional context for understanding broadcast arrangements and betting markets. These sources offer complementary perspectives that help readers develop a fuller picture of the Grand National landscape.

Traditional UK coverage includes free viewing on ITV and ITVX streaming, with Racing TV providing a subscription-based alternative for dedicated racing coverage.

— ESPN Horse Racing coverage guide

Summary

The Grand National 2027 starts at 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 10, as the climax of a three-day festival at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool. Traditional free coverage is expected on ITV and ITVX, with Racing TV offering a subscription alternative. The race covers approximately 4.5 miles with 30 fences, challenging up to 34 horses in a test of endurance and jumping ability that typically sees around 60% of runners failing to finish. Those planning to attend should book tickets through official channels, while viewers at home can access coverage through the broadcasters mentioned above. For comprehensive racing results and continued updates, readers may find BBC Racing Results Today useful alongside official Jockey Club announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions