THE 2024 Grand National looks like being an absolute cracker – but could be decided by the weather.
Some 34 horses will contest the world’s most famous race worth £1million.
They will run and jump just over four miles of the famous Aintree turf, all chasing a place in history and desperate to avoid disaster.
But with rain forecast for the days before, trainers will be keeping a close eye on conditions.
Get to grips with the big one with our handy guide below, where Sun Racing tells you all you need to know for this year’s Grand National.
When is the 2024 Grand National?
The Grand National takes place at 4pm on Saturday, April 13.
The start time is new for this year and the race has been moved from its traditional slot of 5.15pm amid concerns over safety.
The Grand National race is the feature event of the three-day Aintree Festival.
The Festival kicks off on Thursday, April 11, with Friday the famous Aintree Ladies’ Day.
The first race on Thursday and Friday will be run at 1.45pm and the final race at 5.15pm.
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While on Saturday the first race is off at 1.20pm and the final race 5.35pm.
What TV channel is it on and can I live stream it?
The Grand National will be live on ITV1 and Racing TV.
You can follow all the action on SunSport’s Grand National live blog.
Grand National 2024 tips
Templegate will bring you all his tips for the Aintree Festival, plus a complete runner-by-runner guide to the big race itself.
Grand National 2024 sweepstake kit
Sun Racing will bring you the biggest, most up-to-date and accurate sweepstake kit for you, your friends, family and colleagues.
We’ll include instructions on how to play plus all the correct horse names, numbers and silks.
What are the changes to the Grand National this year?
The Jockey Club, in conjunction with the British Horseracing Authority, have outlined five key changes for this year’s race.
Maximum number of runners cut from 40 to 34.
First of the 16 fences moved 60 yards closer to stop horses running too fast at the start.
Off time of 5.15pm brought forward to 4pm to ensure the best ground conditions.
Running rail altered to help capture loose horses.
Minimum handicap rating raised to 130 from 125.
Grand National 2024 free bets
You can find all the best racing free bets on our free bets page.
Grand National 2024 runners and riders
The full list of the final runners and riders will be known at 10am on Thursday, April 11.
While the latest confirmed runners were announced after the final confirmation stage.
The current favourite is last year’s winner Corach Rambler for Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell – with bookies fearing their biggest payout this century after the horse was ‘absolutely hammered’ in the betting.
But a huge Irish contingent headed by Willie Mullins’ I Am Maximus will look to spoil the home party.
Grand National 2024 ITV guide
THURSDAY 11TH APRIL 14:00 – 17:00 LIVE RACING, ITV1
AINTREE
14:20 Aintree 4yo Hurdle – Grade 1 – 2m 1/2 f
14:55 Aintree Bowl – Grade 1 – 3m 1f
15:30 William Hill Aintree Hurdle – Grade 1 – 2m 4f
16:04 Randox Foxhuntrers’ Chase – 2m 5f
16:40 Close Brothers Red Rum Chase – 2m
FRIDAY 12TH APRIL 14:00 – 17:00 LIVE RACING, ITV1
AINTREE
14:20 William Hill Handicap Hurdle – 2m 4f
14:55 Trustatrader Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 1 – 2m 1/2f
15:30 My Pension Expert Melling Chase – Grade 1 – 2m 4f
16:04 Randox Topham Chase – 2m 5f
16:40 Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle – 3m 1/2 f
SATURDAY 13TH APRIL 12:55 – 17:00 LIVE RACING, ITV1
AINTREE
13:20 Bridle Road Handicap Hurdle – 3m
13:55 Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 1 – 2m 4f
14:30 William Hill Freebooter Handicap Chase – 3m 1/2f
15:04 JRL Liverpool Hurdle – Grade 1 – 3m 1/2f
16:00 Randox Grand National – Handicap Chase – 4m 2f
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