Jim Delahunt’s FREE horse racing tips are here for the exciting Go North Series weekend, featuring events at Kelso and Carlisle, as well as selections from Newbury. As we gear up for the Grand National, there’s plenty to discuss!
The Grand National returns this Saturday, and we expect hundreds of thousands to flock to Aintree to witness the most prestigious race of the year. Last year, in 2024, I Am Maximus dazzled the crowd with a spectacular victory, granting trainer Willie Mullins his second win in this iconic race.
Paul Townend rode I Am Maximus to Grand National glory in 2024, and this year, the market is buzzing with long-time favorites such as Intense Raffles and Iroko, alongside Willie Mullins’ defending champion.
Aintree’s featured race will once again be broadcast live on ITV1, showcasing a lineup of familiar faces throughout the coverage of this three-day event.
Who are the presenters for the Grand National 2025 on ITV?
ITV Racing, led by Ed Chamberlin, will provide viewers with five outstanding races each day throughout the Festival. Expect an extended program on Grand National Day itself. This BAFTA-award-winning team includes expert analysts and former Grand National-winning jockeys such as Sir Anthony McCoy, Ruby Walsh, and Alice Plunkett. They’ll be joined by presenter and former Olympian Sam Quek, who is excited to cover all the action from Aintree.
In her appearance on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, Quek expressed her enthusiasm: “I can’t wait to get to Aintree, although I think I just need to temper expectations as well. I don’t know whether people think I’m going to be replacing AP [McCoy] or Ruby [Walsh] or Alice [Plunkett] – absolutely not. I’m going to let them do the talking and the analysis as usual.”
Oli Bell will add some extra excitement from the social stable, engaging with viewers at home while diving into essential statistics. The races will be called by the talented trio of Richard Hoiles, Mark Johnson, and Stewart Machin. On Saturday, Oli will be joined by Ruby Walsh for a detailed, fence-by-fence breakdown of the Grand National.
The Opening Show will broadcast on ITV4 each day, switching to ITV1 on Saturday. Hosted by Oli, it will preview all the major races and capture the vibrant atmosphere around the course each morning. A mix of special guests will join him throughout the Festival, including a stellar lineup on Saturday featuring Sir Anthony and Ruby.
Aintree Schedule
All times are in BST
Thursday, April 3 – Opening Day
- 13:45 – The EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 4f
- 14:20 – Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 1f
- 14:55 – The Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1f
- 15:30 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 4f
- 16:05 – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase (Class 2) 2m 5f
- 16:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Premier Handicap 2m
- 17:15 – The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 1f
Friday, April 4 – Ladies Day
Coverage: BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 14:00 to 16:15, with commentary of the Topham Chase also on 5 Live.
- 13:45 – The Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1f
- 14:20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3 2m 4f
- 14:55 – Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 1/2f
- 15:30 – My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f
- 16:05 – Randox supporting Prostate Cancer UK Topham Handicap Chase (Class 1) Premier Handicap 2m 5f
- 16:40 – Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1/2f
- 17:15 – Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) (Conditional & Amateur Jockeys) 2m 1/2f
Saturday, April 5 – Grand National Day
Coverage: Build-up and commentary on the National on BBC Radio 5 Live from Aintree; live text commentary, reaction, and reports available on the BBC Sport website and app.
- 13:20 – William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Premier Handicap 3m 1/2f
- 13:55 – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f
- 14:30 – William Hill Freebooter Handicap Chase (Class 1) Premier Handicap 3m 1f
- 15:05 – Liverpool Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1/2f
- 16:00 – Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Class 1) Premier Handicap 4m 2 1/2f
- 17:00 – Maghull Novices’ Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 2m
- 17:35 – Weatherbys NHStallion.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 1) Grade 2 2m 1f