Grand National 2018 Preview – Race Times, Runners, Odds & Where to Watch the Big Race

With the 2018 Grand National in England just around the corner, thoughts will again be turning to who will come out victorious and have their name etched into the history books this year. Once again the legendary Aintree racecourse will play host to the biggest event of the equestrian calendar as the Grand National steeplechase returns to the famous racecourse near Liverpool.  There have been lots of exciting plotlines over the years with many big winners who have gone on to achieve racing immortality and this year promises to be no different.

The initial list of 105 entries recently announced will soon be whittled down to the final 40 runners and so if you’re looking for the latest information, race times, odds and where to watch the big race check out the details below:

Grand National 2018 Race Times and Runners

With entries from some of the worlds best trainers consisting of seasoned handicappers and multiple graded winners, the 2018 Grand National is shaping up to be a classic in the making. This year the race will be run on Saturday 14 April 2018 at 5:15 pm and will feature a strong field of proven runners and champions. Grand National Day itself offers a magnificent seven-race card starting at 1:40pm, culminating in the big event at quarter past five.

Although the final list of horses that will take part in the race is yet to be announced, the list of the frontrunners for selection includes ante post favorites Blaklion, Definitely Red, Native River, Total Recall, and Minella Rocco. Should any of the above mentioned horses be selected, the winner is expected to be likely one of them.

Those of you lucky enough to get tickets to the races may be wondering exactly Where is Grand National Aintree? The race course is situated at Aintree Racecourse along Ormskirk road, on the outskirts of Liverpool, England. For those traveling by train, Lime Street station which is a brief walk from Liverpool Central Station has regular trains that go to Aintree Station every 15 minutes on race day. 

2018 Grand National Runners Odds

Odds for the Grand National are hard to come by before the final list of 40 runners is announced and that list is only revealed on the Thursday and Friday before the big day. However bookies will currently be offering provisional, or ante post odds on the horses listed amongst the 105 initial submissions from which the final field is chosen. Favorites include Blaklion at 10/1, Bristol DE Mai is an outsider at 33/1, while last year’s second place horse Cause of Causes is also listed at great value odds of 33/1. 

The Best Places to Watch the Grand National 2018

For many of those unable to get tickets or travel to Aintree the next best place to watch the races is arguably in the comfort of your own home. ITV has the rights for the event and will be broadcasting on its free-to-air channels on TV, as well as over livestreams online. The National is a communal pastime for many families and many across the country will likely take a punt before sitting down to watch the race with their loved ones.

For more social options, check out timetables at your local high street bookmakers, pubs and community centers. In the races’ nearest home city of Liverpool, some of the more notable venues include the Coral Arms in Aintree, McCooley’s in Concert Square, The Excelsior on Dale Street, and The William Gladstone on North John Street.

And so there you have it, a quick preview of all the race times, runners, odds, and the best places to watch the Grand National to help you prepare for one of the world’s biggest horse races of the year. Enjoy!