Grand National Live Streaming: How to Watch the 2027 Race
Available in US
Beyond free‑to‑air television, multiple options exist for watching the Grand National wherever you are. Bookmaker streams, mobile apps, and international broadcasters ensure that location and circumstance don’t prevent viewing. The race reaches an estimated 500–600 million viewers across more than 140 countries according to industry data, making it one of the most‑watched annual sporting events globally.
For those who have placed a bet, watching the race transforms from casual interest to genuine engagement. Seeing your horse negotiate each fence, tracking its position through the field, and experiencing the closing stages delivers something that checking results afterwards cannot replicate. Watching live makes the Grand National experience complete.
This guide covers every way to watch the 2027 Grand National, from traditional television to mobile streaming—using the 2026 broadcast as a template for what to expect.
On a phone the streams sit inside the betting apps.
ITV Free‑to‑Air Coverage
ITV1 broadcasts the Grand National as part of its comprehensive Aintree Festival coverage. The 2027 Grand National is scheduled for Saturday 10 April 2027, with the race starting at approximately 4:00pm BST. The three‑day Festival runs from Thursday 8 April through Saturday.
Based on the 2026 broadcast structure, here is what to expect in 2027:
Thursday 8 April (Opening Day) — ITV1 coverage from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. The Opening Show from 9:30–10:30am on ITV4, ITVX, YouTube and STV.
Friday 9 April (Ladies Day) — ITV1 coverage from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. The Opening Show from 9:30–10:30am on ITV4.
Saturday 10 April (Grand National Day) — ITV1 coverage from 12:45pm to 5:00pm. The Opening Show from 9:30–10:30am on ITV1, ITV4, YouTube, ITVX and STV. Coverage of the Grand National itself begins at approximately 3:15pm, building to the 4:00pm race.
In 2026, ITV’s team was led by presenter Ed Chamberlin, with analysis from former jockeys Sir Anthony McCoy, Ruby Walsh, and Mick Fitzgerald. Reports came from Matt Chapman, Rishi Persad, Alice Plunkett and Luke Harvey, with betting news from Brian Gleeson and social stable thoughts from Oli Bell and Sam Quek. Commentary was provided by Richard Hoiles. The same team is expected to return in 2027 under the new rights deal.
The 2026 broadcast used approximately 50 cameras around the course, including a tracker following the horses, a wire cam along the home straight, and a drone. This level of production quality is expected to continue.
ITVX, the broadcaster’s streaming platform, carries the same coverage as the main channel. Access ITVX through its website, mobile app, or smart TV application. The service is free to use, though registration with a valid TV licence is required. Creating an account takes minutes and unlocks live streaming on any internet‑connected device.
Pre‑race coverage provides valuable context for betting decisions. Expert analysis, trainer interviews, and stable reports air throughout the morning. The Opening Show on Grand National Saturday—broadcast on ITV1 in a slot upgrade from ITV4—is the first place to catch overnight ground changes, late jockey bookings, and stable whispers.
2026 Grand National Day Schedule (Reference for 2027)
The 2026 Saturday card at Aintree ran as follows, and the 2027 structure is expected to mirror it closely:
| Time | Race | On ITV? |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45pm | Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) | No — Racing TV only |
| 1:20pm | William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) | Yes |
| 1:55pm | Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | Yes |
| 2:30pm | William Hill Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) | Yes |
| 3:05pm | Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) | Yes |
| 4:00pm | Randox Grand National | Yes |
| 5:00pm | Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) | No — Racing TV only |
ITV does not broadcast the first or last race of the day. For full coverage of all seven races, Racing TV (Sky channel 424, Virgin Media 536) carries the entire card on subscription.
The 2027 Saturday card is confirmed by The Jockey Club with the same structure and approximate times, though race names and sponsors may change.
Bookmaker Streams
Most major UK bookmakers offer live streaming of horse racing, including the Grand National. These streams provide an alternative to television, particularly useful for punters who want to watch on a device where they can also manage their bets. Streams typically appear within betting apps or websites.
Access requirements vary by bookmaker. Some require only a funded account, meaning any positive balance unlocks streaming. Others require placing a bet on the race within a specified timeframe, typically in the preceding 24 hours. A few restrict streaming to customers who have bet a minimum amount. Check your bookmaker’s specific terms before relying on their stream.
bet365, William Hill, Paddy Power, Betfair, and Ladbrokes all offered racing streams including the Grand National in 2026 and are expected to do so again in 2027. Each integrates streaming within their betting interface, allowing customers to watch and bet simultaneously.
Stream quality on bookmaker platforms generally meets acceptable standards without matching dedicated broadcasting quality. For following the race and seeing what happens, bookmaker streams work well. For enjoying the full spectacle with detailed camera angles and professional commentary, ITV provides the premium experience.
Delay is one consideration with bookmaker streams. Most run several seconds behind live television to protect against in‑play betting based on information not yet reflected in odds. For the Grand National, this delay rarely matters since the race unfolds quickly and few in‑play markets exist. But if you’re watching with friends on television while also tracking your bet via app, you’ll see the finish on TV before your phone catches up.
One advantage of bookmaker streams is avoiding potential overcrowding on free‑to‑air platforms. On Grand National day, ITVX experiences high traffic. Bookmaker streams distribute viewers across multiple platforms, potentially offering more reliable access when demand peaks around race time.
The wider context is set out in our Aintree betting guide.
Radio Coverage
BBC Radio 5 Live provided full live commentary of the 2026 Grand National, with coverage starting well before the race. Radio commentary is an excellent alternative when video streaming is impractical—perhaps you’re driving, in a noisy pub, or your mobile signal is weak. The commentary is professional and captures the drama of the race through sound alone.
Audio uses less data than video and works better on congested networks. On Grand National day, when millions of people are streaming simultaneously, radio can be the more reliable option. Worth considering as a backup plan.
International Viewing
The Grand National reaches viewers in over 140 countries through various international broadcasters. Racing channels, sports networks, and dedicated platforms carry the race live, making it accessible to the global audience that follows British racing.
In Ireland, RTÉ provides coverage as part of its racing portfolio. Irish viewers have particular interest given the dominance of Irish‑trained horses in recent Grand Nationals—Willie Mullins has now trained the winner three years running.
American viewers can typically access coverage through dedicated racing channels or streaming services that carry British racing. The timing works reasonably well for US audiences, with the 4:00pm BST start falling in late morning or early afternoon Eastern time.
Australian and Asian viewers face less convenient timing, with the race falling in late evening or early morning hours. Despite this, racing enthusiasts in these regions watch live or catch up via recorded coverage. The Grand National’s global reach of 500–600 million viewers includes substantial audiences in regions where viewing requires dedication.
VPN services allow access to UK streaming platforms from abroad, though this may violate terms of service. Legitimate international options exist through proper broadcasting agreements in most countries with significant racing interest. Check local listings or racing‑specific streaming services for confirmed coverage in your region.
Mobile Streaming Tips
Watching the Grand National on mobile requires preparation beyond downloading the right app. Data usage for video streaming varies but typically runs between 500MB and 1GB per hour for standard quality. The race itself lasts roughly ten minutes, but pre‑race coverage and delays can extend total streaming time significantly if you’re following the full build‑up.
- Connect to WiFi where possible. Mobile data streams work but consume allowances quickly and may suffer quality drops in areas with weak signal. If you’re watching at a pub, café, or friend’s house, their WiFi provides more reliable streaming than mobile data in a crowded area.
- Battery consumption increases during video streaming. Start with a fully charged device or bring a portable charger. Nothing ruins the Grand National experience like a phone dying as the field approaches the final fence.
- Test your streaming setup before race day. Open ITVX or your bookmaker’s app, confirm you can access video content, and check that playback runs smoothly. Discovering login problems or app updates at 3:55pm on Grand National Saturday creates unnecessary stress.
- Use headphones in noisy environments. ITV’s commentary adds context that silent viewing misses. If watching in a setting where volume would disturb others, earbuds allow full engagement without imposing on surroundings.
- Consider screen size for group viewing. A phone screen works for one or two viewers but struggles for larger groups. Casting to a television via Chromecast, AirPlay, or similar technology turns mobile streaming into a shared experience. Smart TVs with built‑in ITVX apps offer the simplest solution.
- Keep social media notifications off during the race if you’re watching on slight delay. Streams run a few seconds behind live broadcast, and spoilers can arrive via social media or news alerts before your stream catches up.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The 2027 Grand National Festival runs from Thursday 8 April to Saturday 10 April 2027 at Aintree Racecourse. The Grand National itself is scheduled for approximately 4:00pm on Saturday 10 April, with ITV coverage from 12:45pm and the Opening Show from 9:30am.
The 2026 race was the last under ITV’s previous three‑year deal with the British Horseracing Authority. The new four‑year agreement running through 2030 ensures the Grand National remains on free‑to‑air television for the foreseeable future—good news for the millions of UK viewers who watch without subscription.
Whether you watch on ITV1, stream via ITVX, follow through your bookmaker’s app, or listen on BBC Radio 5 Live, the key is preparation. Test your setup on the Friday. Know your start times. Set a reminder for 3:30pm on the Saturday. The Grand National lasts nine minutes, but the experience begins long before the tapes rise.
