When is the Grand National 2023? Race dates and start time, latest odds and and ticket information
The Grand National, the most anticipated race on the British calendar, is back. The most famous obstacle course in the world, 40 runners scale the 30 fences of the Aintree Grand National over a distance of 4 miles and 2 ½ furlongs.
The long list of potential competitors was announced and the weights carried by each horse were given, with Any Second Now and Conflated carrying the top weight of 11st 12lb.
Any Second Now, placed at the last two Grand Nationals, was warming up for his third crack at the race by winning the Webster Cup over 2½ miles at Navan.
The Ted Walsh-trained 11-year-old, ridden for the first time by Denis O’Regan while regular jockey Mark Walsh tends to damaged ribs, defeated Velvet Elvis, who competes in both the Irish and Aintree Nationals seven lengths and it’s now as short as 12-1 for Aintree.
“He did well and didn’t do more than he had to,” Walsh told the Racing Post. “I’m happy with him now. Every time he has gone to Aintree he has gone on the back of a victory. I’m glad you arranged this meeting.
“He has a big job at Aintree. He’s 8 pounds heavier than last year. He wasn’t unlucky last year [as he was in 2021], a horse on the mend hit him. He will need absolutely everything to fall properly for him and for some of the chosen ones to get into trouble. But it’s great to have him.”
Meanwhile, Gordon Elliott would like to see Conflated capitalize on his chance in the Grand National – but doesn’t expect the horse who finished third in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham to be in the line-up. Elliott said, “If he were mine, he would run for the Grand National. I think he’s one of the most handicapped horses in the race but I don’t think I’ll prevail.”
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s race.
When is the Grand National 2023?
The Grand National is the world’s most famous steeplechase race and the culmination of Aintree’s three-day Grand National Festival, this year running from Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th April. The main event, the Grand National itself, takes place on Saturday afternoon.
What time does the race start?
Runners head to the post office at 5:15 p.m., the traditional tea-time slot. The National itself is the sixth of seven races at Aintree on the day. At just under four and a half miles, it’s by far the longest race of the entire three-day gathering.
Where is the Grand National 2023?
The meet takes place at Aintree Racecourse, six miles outside of Liverpool. Aintree has hosted the race since the very first edition in 1839.
How can I follow the race? What TV channel is it on?
The festival usually welcomes more than 150,000 racing fans. Live TV coverage is available on ITV and Racing TV.