Grand National 2025: Start time, TV channel, race odds and betting tips

The 2025 Grand National takes place on Saturday (April 5) as one of the biggest events on the British sporting calendar returns for another year.

The famous horse race follows the enthralling Cheltenham Festival in March, where Metro ran a daily live blog and provided extensive coverage.

We’ve now put together everything you need to know for the Grand National including the start time, TV channel, race odds and betting tips.

You can also scroll down to learn how many horses will take part, details about prize money as well as the confirmed runners and favourites…

What time does the Grand National start on Saturday?

The 2025 Grand National starts at 4pm UK time (BST) at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, April 5.

First run in 1839 – it takes place in Aintree, Merseyside in England – which is close to the city of Liverpool.

How to watch the Grand National on TV and live stream

The Grand National will be shown live for free in the UK on ITV 1.

The TV channel you need is 103 if you are watching on Sky, Virgin Media or Freeview.

You can also live steam the Grand National for free with ITVX. You can access it via the broadcaster’s website and they have a mobile app too.

How many horses are in the Grand National this year?

A total of 34 horses will participate at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, April 5 for the Grand National.

The number was reduced from 40 to 34 in 2023 due to safety reasons.

Grand National confirmed runners, odds and favourite

• 1 I Am Maximus
• 2 Royale Pagaille
• 3 Nick Rockett
• 4 L’homme Presse
• 5 Grangeclare West
• 6 Hewick
• 7 Minella Indo
• 8 Appreciate It
• 9 Capodanno
• 10 Minella Cocooner
• 11 Conflated
• 12 Stumptown
• 13 Hitman
• 14 Beauport
• 15 Bravemansgame
• 16 Chantry House
• 17 Threeunderthrufive
• 18 Perceval Legallois
• 19 Kandoo Kid
• 20 Iroko
• 21 Intense Raffles
• 22 Senior Chief
• 23 Idas Boy
• 24 Mr Incredible
• 25 Fil Dor
• 26 Broadway Boy
• 27 Coko Beach
• 28 Farouk d’Alene
• 29 Stay Away Fay
• 30 Velvet Elvis
• 31 Minella Drama
• 32 Meetingofthewaters
• 33 Monbeg Genius
• 34 Vanillier

Betting odds are always live and subject to change, but according to Sky Bet at 4.30pm on April 1, the current favourites are…

• Iroko – 8/1
• Stumptown – 8/1
• I Am Maximus – 9/1
• Vanillier – 9/1
• Hewick – 9/1
• Intense Raffles – 12/1
• Minella Cocooner – 12/1
• Perceval Legallois – 12/1
• Kandoo Kid – 20/1
• Three Card Brag – 20/1

How long is the Grand National course and how many fences are there?

The Grand National is a handicap steeplechase over an official distance of about four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs.

There are 16 fences around the Grand National course, 14 of which are jumped twice. The means that, in total, the horses will have to complete 30 jumps during the course of the race.

Grand National 2025 prize money

The total prize money for the 2025 Grand National is £1,000,000 – which is split between the top 10 finishers. Here’s the full breakdown:

• Winner – £500,000
• Second place – £200,000
• Third place – £100,000
• Fourth place – £65,000
• Fifth place – £40,000
• Sixth place – £30,000
• Seventh place – £20,000
• Eighth place – £ 15,000
• Ninth place – £10,000
• Tenth place – £5,000

Who won the Grand National last year?

The 2024 Grand National was won by I Am Maximus. The horse was the bookies’ favourite, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend.

Delta Work finished as runner-up while Minella Indo took third place and the fourth and fifth spots were secured by Galvin and Kitty’s Light respectively.

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