When is Grand National 2024? Race time, dates, schedule, Aintree course & BBC coverage

Corach Rambler is set to bid for back-to-back wins
Corach Rambler is set to bid for back-to-back wins [Getty Images]

Randox Grand National 2024

Venue: Aintree Racecourse Date: Saturday 13 April Time: 16:00 BST

Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live; live text on the BBC Sport website and app.

Follow the world's most famous horse race here on the BBC with live text and radio coverage from Aintree.

Can last year's Grand National winner Corach Rambler become only the second horse since the legendary Red Rum to defend his title?

The big race itself is at an earlier start time of 16:00 BST on Saturday, 13 April.

Listen to commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and follow on the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport mobile app.

The National start time has been brought forward 75 minutes with the maximum number of runners reduced to 34 from 40 following a safety review.

Grand National favourites?

Corach Rambler is the favourite and seeking to follow Tiger Roll (2018 and 2019) as the only dual victor since Red Rum's three wins in the 1970s.

Last year's runner-up Vanillier, I Am Maximus and Mahler Mission are among other leading contenders.

Aintree race schedule

All times BST

Saturday 13 April - Grand National Day

Coverage: Build-up and commentary on the National on BBC Radio 5 Live from Aintree; live text commentary, reaction and reports on BBC Sport website and app.

13.20 - Bridle Road Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3 3m ½f

13.55 - Turner Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f

14.30 - William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 3 3m 1f

15.05 - JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 3m ½f

16.00 - Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 4m 2½f

17.00 - Maghull Novices' Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 2m

17.35 - Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 1f

The Grand National course

A maximum of 34 horses and their jockeys have to complete two laps of the course, covering four-and-a-quarter miles and jumping 30 fences.

The Chair is the tallest of the 16 fences at 5ft 2in but along with the Water Jump only features on the first lap.

The 14 other fences, which include Becher's Brook, Canal Turn and Valentine's Brook, are jumped twice.

The course takes roughly between nine and 11 minutes to complete, depending on the conditions on the day.

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