The greatest steeplechase in the world is almost here. That’s right, the 2021 Grand National is mere hours away and we can hardly wait.
It’s the third and final day of the Grand National Festival at Aintree and all eyes are on the big one. The 40 runners and riders are due to go to post this afternoon and you can live stream all the action for FREE with Paddy Power. You won’t want to miss a second of what promises to be an exhilarating race so you’ve come to the right place to find out the start time.
WHAT TIME IS THE GRAND NATIONAL TODAY?
If you’ve got plans in the early afternoon then you’re in luck as it’ll be a relatively late start as the horses and jockeys will embark on the 4m 2f 74yds at 5.15pm. It should take around nine minutes before the winner passes the post so keep tabs on Paddy Power News for the fast result and a full breakdown of where your horse finished. The Grand National is the penultimate race on the card at Aintree today, with the action starting with a Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle at 1.45pm.
HOW CAN I WATCH THE GRAND NATIONAL TODAY?
Thanks to Paddy Power, you can watch the 2021 renewal of the Grand National for FREE. All you have to do is download the Paddy Power app and sign up or log in. You don’t even have to place a bet on the race! It’s even easier online where you simply head to paddypower.com, log in, find the race and you’re away.
If the television is still your thing then you can catch the race on ITV, with their coverage from Aintree starting from 2pm. Paddy Power has been sponsoring all of ITV Racing’s terrific live broadcasts since January 1.
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WHO ARE THE 40 RUNNERS AND RIDERS IN THE 2021 GRAND NATIONAL?
Bristol De Mai tops the weights with 11st 10lb and will have 2012 Grand National-winning jockey Daryl Jacob in the saddle.
Cloth Cap is the favourite after impressive victories in November’s Trophy Chase and the Premier Chase last month.
Willie Mullins’ Burrows Saint – the 2019 Irish Grand National winner – is prominent in the betting while Cheltenham Festival’s Top Jockey Rachael Blackmore is set to ride the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times.
Ted Walsh is aiming to win the Grand National for a second time after saddling Papillon to glory in 2000 and Any Second Now has garnered plenty of support.
Kimberlite Candy has a decent record over the iconic fences while Discorama has been a market mover over the course of the week.
You can check out the full race details by visiting our dedicated Racecard page.
WHO ARE PADDY POWER PUNDITS BACKING TO WIN THE 2021 GRAND NATIONAL?
Paddy Power are paying six places for the 2021 Grand National – and this is who our pundits and experts are backing.
Frank Hickey: “I backed DISCORAMA a number of weeks ago and I really think he has a big chance. I just want him to jump the first four or five fences without any trouble or interference and get into a rhythm and if he can be in contention with seven fences to jump, I think he has a massive chance.”
Ruby Walsh: “I wouldn’t put anybody off CLASS CONTI each-way, and I think Brian Hayes is a good addition on his back. He has a sneaky profile to run a big race.”
Mick Fitzgerald: “There is a recurring theme and that is stamina. If I have a doubt with ANY SECOND NOW that would be it, but I still think he is the one.”
Paddy Power: “Every time BURROWS SAINT has run on good or yielding ground he’s won, including the 2019 Irish Grand National – which is usually a great pointer for the big one.”
Matt Chapman: “Amazingly someone suggested to me this horse won’t stay but if there’s a horse in this race that will stay, it’s KIMBERLITE CANDY. Jumps well, experienced over fences, Richie McLernon on board – I’m hoping Kimberlite Candy can win.”
Read More on the Grand National 2021
- Grand National 2021 runners and latest betting
- Grand National 2021 weights for steeplechase spectacular
- Grand National trends to note when picking your horse
- Grand National punters flock to support Cloth Cap
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