When is the Grand National Festival at Aintree this week?

Fans are set to return to Aintree for the Grand National for the first time since 2019.

Fans are set to return to Aintree for the 2022 Grand National

The Covid pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in 2020, while proceedings at the Merseyside course were held behind closed doors last year.

Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to take Grand National victory in 2021, riding Minella Times, who pipped outsider Balko Des Flos to victory as trainer Henry De Bromhead secured a one-two.

The highest-profile jumps race in the world concludes three days of action at Aintree.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2022 Grand National Festival:

When is it?

The Grand National will be held at Aintree Racecourse on the outskirts of Liverpool on Saturday 9 April, with the race due to begin at 5.15pm BST as one of seven races on the final day of action.

Racing begins on Thursday 7 April from 1.45pm BST, while the returning fans will have plenty to take in on Ladies Day, Friday 8 April, when the action starts at 1.40pm.

How can I watch?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Grand National live on ITV. Coverage of the festival begins at 1.45pm BST on Thursday and at the same time on Friday. Saturday’s coverage is due to start at 2pm, before the build-up to the Grand National itself commences at 4.30pm.

Registered users can stream the Grand National via the ITV Hub.

Who is competing in the Grand National?

The field for the showpiece race is yet to be finalised, with 40 competing horses, and four reserves, narrowed down from a wider entry list on Thursday.

How long is the Grand National?

The Grand National requires the runners and riders to complete two laps of the course, covering four-and-a-quarter miles