Like many events it has been scaled back and even cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the Grand National will roar back to its hey day this weekend, when normal service is resumed at Aintree.
Two years ago organisers of the world famous event and scores of horse racing fans were let gutted when the Grand National was cancelled as the country was plunged into the first lockdown. Confirming the sad news, a Jockey Club spokesperson said “Following the government’s new public health guidance regarding avoiding social contact and stopping non-essential travel, and its statement that emergency services are withdrawn from supporting mass gatherings from tomorrow, the Jockey Club has decided that it is no longer appropriate to stage the event."
After that blow, the Grand National was allowed to go ahead last year as restrictions were slowly loosened, with the 2021 title being won by Minella Times, with Balko Des Flos in second and Any Second Now in third. While the race was allowed to happen 12 months ago, it went ahead without a crowd as audiences at mass events were still banned at the time.
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There will be outfits galore to pour over this weekend though as glamorous and suited and booted race goers jump at the chance to be back in the stands at Aintree. And, if you can't be there in person, you'll be able to watch it on the TV.
What channel is the Grand National on TV?
The Randox 2022 Grand National will be on ITV on Saturday, April 9. The racing coverage will get going on ITV at 1pm with the Virtual Grand National, when Nick Luck and Alice Plunkett head to Aintree to see if a computer can forecast the outcome of the most unpredictable race in the UK.
Live coverage from Aintree will start at 2pm, with races at 2.25, 3.00, 3.35 and 4.15pm before the big one, the Grand National at 5.15pm.
Guests will include AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh and Mick Fitzgerald, with reports by Alice Plunkett, Matt Chapman and Luke Harvey, betting updates from Brian Gleeson. Ex Love Island star Chris Hughes will be on hand with 'social stable' new and commentary will come from Richard Hoiles, Mark Johnson and Ian Bartlett.
