The Grand National is more than just a sporting event; it’s a cultural tradition in the UK that draws attention from all over the globe. Even if you’re not a regular horse racing fan, it’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement when the weekend rolls around and you can finally get to watch the Grand National online live.
The Grand National is one of the most famous and exciting horse races in the world. Held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is a steeplechase, which means it’s not just a flat race; horses have to jump over a series of fences and obstacles across a challenging 4.2-mile course (about 6.9 km).
The race typically features 40 horses and jockeys, and with so many runners and unpredictable terrain, it’s known for dramatic finishes, surprise winners, and the occasional pile-up. It’s one of the toughest horse races out there. Some of the fences, like Becher’s Brook and The Chair, are legendary in their own right because of how tricky they are.
In short, the Grand National is thrilling, unpredictable, and packed with tradition. You can stream it while residing outside the United Kingdom with the help of a VPN like OysterVPN that offers optimized streaming servers in the UK.
How to Watch the Grand National Online with a VPN [Quick Steps 2026]
Follow these steps to get the Grand National Online:
- Subscribe to OysterVPN- the VPN offering highly optimized Streaming Servers
- Download and install the app (available for multiple devices and platforms)
- Open the app and select a server in the United Kingdom
- Go to ITVX.com (It’s free to stream, so sign up or create a free account using a UK postcode)
- Enjoy the Grand National from anywhere in the world
Why do you need a VPN to watch Grand National Online?
You need a VPN to watch the Grand National online if you’re outside the UK because the race is typically broadcast on UK-only streaming platforms like ITVX, which restrict access based on your location.
These geo-restrictions are in place due to broadcasting rights, which means only viewers within the UK can stream the event live for free; however, a VPN helps bypass these restrictions by masking your real IP address and making it appear as though you’re browsing from the UK.
Once connected to a UK server through a VPN, you can access ITVX. This allows you to enjoy the Grand National in real time, no matter where you are in the world.
OysterVPN – Best VPN service for Grand National Online
OysterVPN stands out as one of the best VPN services for watching the Grand National online, especially if you want smooth, secure access to UK streams like ITVX from anywhere in the world.
It offers fast, stable servers in the UK, which is essential for streaming live sports without buffering. It has a no-logs policy and strong encryption, ensuring your online activity stays private while you stream.
It’s a solid choice for sports fans who want freedom and flexibility when it comes to online viewing.
How to watch the Grand National 2026 live streams in the UK
To watch the Grand National 2025 live in the UK, tune in to ITV1 on television or stream it for free via the ITVX website or app.
How to watch Grand National 2025 live streams in Australia
To watch the Grand National 2025 live in Australia, tune in to Sky Racing via Foxtel or Austar, or stream it for free on ITVX using OysterVPN by connecting to its UK server.
How to watch Grand National 2025 live streams in the US.
To watch the Grand National 2025 live in the U.S., tune in to FanDuel TV with a subscription, or stream it for free on ITVX using OysterVPN, as it has the most secure UK-based servers.
Grand National 2025 Schedule
The 2025 Grand National Festival took place at Aintree Racecourse from Thursday, April 3 to Saturday, April 5, 2025, featuring three days of top-tier jump racing. The highlight was the Grand National itself, held on Saturday, April 5 at 4:00 PM BST.
Day 1: Thursday, April 3 – Opening Day
- 1:45 PM – Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
- 2:20 PM – Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 2:55 PM – Aintree Bowl Chase (Grade 1)
- 3:30 PM – William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 4:05 PM – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase
- 4:40 PM – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase
- 5:15 PM – Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2)
Day 2: Friday, April 4 – Ladies Day
- 1:45 PM – Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
- 2:20 PM – William Hill Handicap Hurdle
- 2:55 PM – TrustATrader Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 3:30 PM – My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1)
- 4:05 PM – Randox Topham Handicap Chase
- 4:40 PM – Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 5:15 PM – Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle
Day 3: Saturday, April 5 – Grand National Day
- 1:20 PM – William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle
- 1:55 PM – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 2:30 PM – William Hill Freebooter Handicap Chase
- 3:05 PM – Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1)
- 4:00 PM – Randox Grand National (Premier Handicap)
- 5:00 PM – Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
- 5:35 PM – Weatherbys NHStallion.co.uk Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2)
Grand National 2025 schedule list of runners
Here are the names of the Grand National 2025 runners:
- I Am Maximus
- Royale Pagaille
- Nick Rockett
- Grangeclare West
- Hewick
- Minella Indo
- Appreciate It
- Minella Cocooner
- Conflated
- Stumptown
- Hitman
- Beauport
- Bravemansgame
- Chantry House
- Threeunderthrufive
- Perceval Legallois
- Kandoo Kid
- Iroko
- Intense Raffles
- Senior Chief
- Idas Boy
- Fil Dor
- Broadway Boy
- Coko Beach
- Stay Away Fay
- Meetingofthewaters
- Monbeg Genius
- Vanillier
- Horantzau d’Airy
- Hyland
- Celebre d’Allen
- Three Card Brag
- Twig
- Duffle Coat
FAQs
If you live in the UK so you can watch it for free on ITV. However, the viewer living outside the UK will need OysterVPN to stream the Grand National.
To watch the Grand National in the US, you can tune in to FanDuel TV if you have access. Alternatively, use a VPN to connect to a UK server and stream it for free on ITVX.
Yes, the Grand National 2025 was broadcast live on ITV Racing, which is available on free-to-air TV in the UK. For viewers seeking more in-depth coverage, Racing TV also provided live streaming of the event.
You can watch Racing TV by subscribing and streaming via their website, mobile apps, or supported devices like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.
Conclusion
To watch the Grand National, you can tune in through major broadcasters like ITV in the UK or stream it online via platforms such as Racing TV, where coverage is available for subscribers. All you have to do is subscribe to OysterVPN and simply connect to a UK server to access UK-based streaming services.