Grand National 2018: What time does it start, when is it, what are the odds and are there any tickets left?

A total of 21 races will take place during the Grand National meeting this week

Saturday 14 April 2018 12:10 BST
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The horses will take post at 5.15pm on Saturday 14 April
The horses will take post at 5.15pm on Saturday 14 April

The Grand National returns this Saturday, with a total of 40 horses set to line up for the traditional cavalry charge. Aintree Racecourse is expecting more than 150,000 racegoers over the three-day festival, which starts on Thursday and runs through to its climax on Saturday evening.

A total of 21 races will take place during the Grand National meeting this week.

And for the first time in 30 years, three female jockeys are set to rice in the Grand National after Rachael Blackmore was booked to partner Alpha Des Obeaux. She joins Katie Walsh, with Baie Des Iles, and Bryony Frost, riding Milansbar.

What time is the Grand National?

The horses will take post at 5.15pm on Saturday 14 April. The event takes place at Aintree Racecourse, which has hosted the race since 1839.

Where can I watch it?

The Grand National is on ITV for a second year in a row after winning the broadcasting rights to show the race.

One for Arthur won last year's Grand National

Which horses are running?

The final field of 40 runners is yet to be selected. The horses competing will be revealed around 10am on Thursday, although four reserves could land a spot if any of the initial 40 are withdrawn before 1pm on Friday. All of the horses will be assigned a weight by the British Horse Racing Authority Head of Handicapping. The maximum for this year's National is 11st 10lbs and the minimum is 10st.

Among the key players are Blaklion, who finished fourth last year, Ladbrokes Tropy winner Total Recall for Willie Mullins and Cheltenham Festival winner Tiger Roll, representing Gordon Elliott.

What are the odds?

Given the final field has not been selected, bookmakers are currently offering 'Ante Post' odds on remaining entrants.

More than 150,000 are expected to attend Aintree over the three days

Who won last year’s race?

One for Arthur, ridden by Derek Fox, emerged victorious at last year’s race, beating Cause of Causes and Saint Are in the Aintree showpiece.

Can I still but tickets?

There is very limited availability on the Friday (ladies’ day) and Saturday (Grand National day). There are some £29 tickets left in the Steeplechase enclosure and £59 tickets for the Tattersalls. Visit the official website for details.

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