What Channel is the Grand National On?

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What Channel is the Grand National On?

The Grand National is one of the most widely viewed sporting events in the UK, and its broadcast coverage reflects that status. For the 2026 race, the Grand National will be shown live on ITV, which holds the free-to-air rights to the event.

Broadcast details:

• Channel: ITV
• Event: Grand National 2026
• Date: Saturday 11 April 2026
• Race time: 16:00
• Coverage start: Approximately 1:15pm

ITV provides free coverage of each day of the Grand National Festival, however it does not broadcast the first and last race of the day.

If you wish to watch all the races you can do so by:

• Subscribing to Racing TV, a paid service that shows every race
• Streaming through your bookmaker app. Most bookmakers, including all our partners, offer streaming of all races if you have placed a bet in the last 24 hours.

Is the Grand National on ITV or ITV4?

A common question for viewers is whether the race is shown on ITV or ITV4.

For the Grand National itself:

All of ITV's coverage at Aintree is shown on ITV, the primary channel. In previous years this has sometimes been split between ITV and ITV4 on the Thursday and Friday due to scheduling conflicts.

On Grand National Saturday the main ITV channel nearly always carries the full afternoon programme starting at 13:15, including the feature race at 4:00pm.

What time does ITV coverage start?

ITV’s Grand National coverage typically begins well before the main race. Viewers can expect:

• Start time: Around 12:30pm (BST)
• End time: Shortly after the Grand National result and analysis

This extended broadcast includes:

• Pre-race build-up
• Coverage of supporting races from Aintree
• Expert analysis and interviews
• Post-race reaction

The structure ensures the Grand National is part of a broader afternoon of racing coverage rather than a standalone event.

Can you watch the Grand National online?

Yes — ITV’s coverage is also available to stream live via the ITVX platform. This allows viewers to watch:

• On mobile devices
• On desktop
• Through smart TVs and connected devices

To access the stream:

• Users need a free ITV account
• A valid UK TV licence is required
• Streaming mirrors the live broadcast, meaning viewers get the same coverage as on television.

How to make sure you don’t miss the Grand National

Given the scale of the event, planning ahead is easy! Key points:

• Tune into ITV well before the 4:00pm start time
• Allow time for build-up and earlier races
• Use ITVX if you are watching on the move

Because of its popularity, the Grand National is scheduled to avoid clashes with other major events, ensuring maximum visibility.

Why ITV broadcasts the Grand National

ITV’s coverage of the Grand National plays a key role in maintaining the race’s wide appeal. Free-to-air broadcasting ensures:

• Accessibility for casual viewers
• Strong national viewing figures Continued prominence within the UK sporting calendar
• The presentation typically balances:
• Expert racing insight
• General audience accessibility
• Storytelling around horses, trainers, and jockeys

Final Word

For viewers in the UK, the answer is clear:

• The Grand National is broadcast live on ITV
• Racing TV is another option if you have a subscription
• Coverage begins early afternoon
• The race itself starts at 16:00

With additional streaming available via ITVX, the event is easy to watch across multiple platforms.

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