When Is Grand National 2025 – Date, Time, Winner and Schedule

The 177th Grand National took place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, with the main race commencing at 4:00 PM BST. Nick Rockett secured victory in this prestigious steeplechase, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Patrick Mullins, prevailing over a maximum field of 34 runners.

The event formed the centerpiece of the three-day Grand National Festival spanning April 3-5, attracting substantial crowds to Merseyside while millions followed the action via terrestrial broadcast and digital streaming platforms. Contestants navigated 30 formidable fences across approximately four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs for a share of the £1 million prize fund.

When Is the Grand National 2025?

• Historic Running: The 2025 renewal marked the 177th edition of this iconic steeplechase.
• Schedule Adjustment: The 4:00 PM start time represented a shift from the previous 5:15 PM timing, implemented for safety and enhanced viewership.
• Maximum Field: 34 runners contested the race, drawn from an initial entry pool of 90 horses.
• Irish Representation: The field included 18 Irish-trained horses, with six entrants representing champion trainer Willie Mullins.
• Prize Allocation: The winner received £500,000 from a total £1 million purse, according to race records.
• Course Specifications: The distance measured 4 miles 2½ furlongs (494 yards) featuring 30 jumps.
• Defending Champion: I Am Maximus, winner of the 2024 Grand National, entered the 2025 race as a notable favorite.

Grand National 2025 Location and Festival Dates

Where Is Aintree Racecourse?

Aintree Racecourse sits near Liverpool in northwest England, serving as the permanent home of the Grand National. The facility hosted the three-day festival from Thursday, April 3 through Saturday, April 5, 2025, with gates opening daily at approximately 10:30 AM. Venue information confirms the racecourse’s capacity to accommodate the massive crowds drawn to National Hunt racing’s most significant event.

The Three-Day Festival Structure

The Grand National Festival comprised three distinct racedays. Opening Day on Thursday, April 3, featured the Close Brothers Manifesto Chase and the Boodles Juvenile Hurdle. Ladies Day followed on Friday, April 4, highlighted by the Mildmay Novices’ Chase and the My Pension Expert Melling Chase. Grand National Day on Saturday, April 5, culminated with the feature race at 4:00 PM, supported by six additional races throughout the afternoon.

How to Watch and Get Tickets for Grand National 2025

Television Coverage and Live Streams

ITV1 provided comprehensive live coverage of the Grand National and all key supporting races across the three-day festival, accessible via terrestrial television and the ITVX streaming platform. Additional coverage appeared on Racing TV and Virgin Media 103. Bookmakers including William Hill, Paddy Power, Unibet, and Betfair offered complimentary live streams for select races, contingent upon account registration and qualifying stake requirements.

Ticket Availability and Race Day Access

General admission and hospitality tickets provided access to various enclosures and viewing areas within Aintree Racecourse. Specific 2025 ticketing details remained limited in public records, though historical patterns indicated strong demand requiring early arrival to secure optimal positioning within hospitality suites and public grandstands.

Grand National 2025 Full Schedule at Aintree

The 2025 festival followed a structured timeline across three days, with specific race times varying slightly between official sources. Official timing records indicate the following key schedule:

1. Thursday, 3 April (Opening Day): The festival commenced at 1:45 PM with the Close Brothers Manifesto Chase (2m 4f, Grade 1), followed by the Boodles Juvenile Hurdle at 2:20 PM. Additional Grade 1 contests included the Aintree Bowl Chase at 2:55 PM and the William Hill Aintree Hurdle at 3:30 PM.
2. Friday, 4 April (Ladies Day): Racing began at 1:45 PM with the Mildmay Novices’ Chase (3m 1f, Grade 1). The William Hill Handicap Hurdle followed at 2:20 PM, with the My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1) highlighting the afternoon at 3:30 PM.
3. Saturday, 5 April (Grand National Day): The card opened earlier at 1:20 PM with the William Hill Hurdle. Supporting races included the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at 1:55 PM and the JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle at 3:05 PM. The Randox Grand National itself started at 4:00 PM, with the Maghull Novices’ Chase concluding the televised portion at 5:00 PM.

What Details Are Confirmed vs Uncertain?

While core facts regarding the 2025 Grand National remain firmly established, certain operational specifics presented variability across official sources during the pre-race period.

The History Behind the 177th Running

The 2025 renewal represented the 177th running of the Grand National, maintaining the event’s status as the pinnacle of British National Hunt racing. I Am Maximus, victorious in 2024, returned as the defending champion and market favorite, though Nick Rockett ultimately claimed the title. The decision to advance the start time from 5:15 PM to 4:00 PM reflected ongoing safety considerations and efforts to maximize television viewership while ensuring optimal racing conditions.

The race distance of approximately four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs tested equine stamina and jumping ability across 30 uniquely challenging fences, including the infamous Becher’s Brook and The Chair. Viewers interested in comprehensive television scheduling might consult resources like Where to Watch Welcome to Derry – Max Exclusive Streaming Guide for comparison with other major broadcast events.

Official Statements and Key Sources

Primary documentation for the 2025 Grand National derives from official racing databases and regulatory bodies. The Jockey Club, which operates Aintree Racecourse, provided authoritative confirmation of festival dates and operational details. British Horseracing Authority regulations governed the race conditions and entry protocols.

The 177th Grand National featured 34 runners competing for a £1 million prize fund, with the winning connections receiving £500,000.

— Wikipedia Grand National 2025 Records

Official schedules indicate gates opened at 10:30 AM daily, with racegoers advised to arrive early for bars, restaurants, and enclosures.

— Grand National Official Timing Information

What to Expect for Future Editions

Following Nick Rockett’s 2025 victory, attention immediately shifts toward the 178th running scheduled for April 2026. The earlier 4:00 PM start time appears likely to continue based on successful viewership and safety outcomes. Future entries will follow similar protocols, with initial declarations opening months in advance and the final field confirmed during the festival week. For those tracking long-form television content alongside racing, Law & Order Special Victims Unit Episodes – Complete Guide to 27 Seasons offers comparable depth of historical documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions