THE Grand National is watched by millions of people every year, making it one of the few really uniting sporting occasions on the UK calendar.
I Am Maximus, who won handily in 2024, will be hoping for a repeat with 34 horses eager to cross the starting line.
However, neither Gordon Elliott's horse nor Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin, who topped the market only minutes after pulling off a spectacular upset against Galopin des Champs in the storied event at Prestbury Park, are the favourites this year.
I Am Maximus is expected to carry 11st 12 pounds off a mark of 167 in the handicapped event, according to the measurements provided.
If the reigning champion can repeat, it will be the highest-rated victor of this century.
All the information on how to watch the most renowned jump race of all time is provided here by SunSport.
How to watch on TV and is there a live stream?
Aintree Racecourse hosts a three-day racing extravaganza that starts on Thursday, April 3 and culminates with the Grand National on Saturday, April 5.
ITVprovides FREETV coverage of the Grand National, which attracted over six million viewers last year.
A Racing TV membership will provide every race in its entirety and without interruption, but you will be required to pay £10 for a day pass or £29.98 monthly.
Racing TV and ITV will both have streaming options. You can access ITVX and Racing TV via their websites or specific mobile apps.
Alternatively, you can follow the SunSport'slive blog for the latest coverage.
Full Aintree Grand National Festival TV schedule and race times
Thursday, April 3
All times BST
1:45pm: Manifesto Novices’ Chase (ITV)
2:20pm: Juvenile Hurdle (ITV)
2:55pm: Aintree Bowl (ITV)
3:30pm: Aintree Hurdle (ITV)
4:05pm: Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase (ITV)
4:40pm: Red Rum Handicap Chase (ITV)
5:15pm: Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Racing TV)
Friday, April 4
1:45pm: Mildmay Novices’ Chase (ITV)
2:20pm: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (ITV)
2:55pm: Top Novices’ Hurdle (ITV)
3:30pm: Melling Chase (ITV)
4:05pm: Topham Handicap Chase (ITV)
4:40pm: Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (ITV)
5:15pm: Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle (Racing TV)
Saturday, April 5
1:20pm: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (ITV)
1:55pm: Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (ITV)
2:30pm: Freebooter Handicap Chase (ITV)
3:05pm: Liverpool Hurdle (ITV)
4pm: Grand National (ITV)
5pm: Maghull Novices’ Chase (Racing TV)
5:35pm: Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Racing TV)
