All you need to know about the 2022 Grand National at Aintree

Horse racing is set to grip the nation once again this week as the Grand National takes centre stage on Saturday.

We have pulled together a guide to the legendary spectacle, packed with everything you need to know to enjoy the action.

What is the 2022 Grand National?

The Grand National is the world’s most famous horse race, taking place at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool every April.

This year’s edition will be the 174th, with an estimated 600 million people set to tune in around the world to watch the drama unfold. 

A gruelling four-mile course with 30 jumps over 16 famous fences to negotiate, it is the ultimate test of a National Hunt racehorse — hence the legendary status the Grand National holds.

What time is the 2022 Grand National?

The 2022 Grand National will take place on Saturday, with the big race due to begin at 5.15pm. 

It will be the first Grand National to have spectators present since 2019 after the 2020 event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and last year went ahead behind closed doors.

What channel is the 2022 Grand National on?

As has been the case since 2017, all three days of the Aintree festival, including the Grand National itself, will be broadcast on ITV1.

You can catch all the build-up, live action and post-race reaction with Ed Chamberlin and the rest of the ITV racing crew.

No TV nearby? No problem. The three-day event can also be streamed via the ITV Hub, while the LiveScore app will bring you the full results from all Aintree races in rapid fashion.

How many horses are in the Grand National?

While hundreds of owners have dreams of their horse running in the Grand National, a maximum of 40 runners can take part each year.

All entrants must be at least seven years old, possess an official rating above 125, have completed three or more steeplechases in their career and have run at least once in the current season. 

Which are the horses to watch in the 2022 Grand National?

As always, there are plenty of familiar names and potential fairytale stories to keep an eye on in this year’s big race.

Last year’s winner Minella Times is back to defend his crown with superstar jockey Rachael Blackmore primed to take the ride once again.

The duo will look to emulate Tiger Roll’s back-to-back wins in 2018 and 2019 — though the two-time champion will not be running this year due to owner Michael O’Leary’s fury over the weight he was allocated by the handicapper. 

Instead, O’Leary’s main hope will be recent Cheltenham festival winner Delta Work, who has Grade 1-winning form and will prove a tough nut to crack with a clear run.

But Snow Leopardess would arguably be the most feel-good story of all.

The 10-year-old is looking to become the first female horse to win the race in 71 years — and the first ever to do so after having a foal. On the weights, she looks to have a real fighting chance.

Follow all the 2022 Grand National news, results and reaction on the LiveScore app. Grand National ante-post markets are available at LiveScore Bet.