With the Grand National set to kick off on 13th April, it’s time to sort out your plans and make sure that you don’t miss a moment.
Of course, the best way to experience the Grand National is to actually go to it. But if you don’t have tickets – or any feathery hats to pull out of the wardrobe – then the next best thing has to be the radio. Like cricket and tennis, sometimes radio coverage of a sporting event is better than the coverage you get on television.
With expert commentators who discuss what’s actually happening on the course – rather than making remarks on a competitor’s hair-do – and a buzzing, communal feel with other listeners, it’s a great way to feel part of the action while still carrying on with your daily routine.
When the Grand National gets underway, however, tuning in before that first horse begins a race is the only way to keep one step ahead of the game. So, what are the best radio stations to catch all the action?
BBC Radio 5 Live
In 2024, BBC Radio 5 Live will have been going for thirty years, and it’s not hard to see why. With full commentary of the main events, as well as all the build-up, it never fails to capture the tension and excitement of each day and is available for everyone across the UK. You can tune into it on AM/MW analogue radio 909 or 693, or by searching for BBC R5L on DAB Digital radio. If you’d rather listen on your phone, you can also download the BBC Sounds app. Just make sure, if you’re out and about, that you remember your Bluetooth headphones – other people might not want to know the result before watching the race in full!
talkSPORT
Meanwhile, on talkSPORT, from 5 PM onwards, Rupert Bell and Lizzie Kelly will be bringing extensive coverage to the Grand National races, ensuring that you get a full picture of the action with their clear and concise – and often humorous – broadcasting. While talkSPORT has recently reduced its AM coverage, you can still tune into it on AM/MW analogue radio 1089 or 1053, or by searching for talkSPORT on DAB Digital Radio. Like BBC Radio 5 Live, this station can also be accessed through its own app, known as the talkSPORT app, which we’d recommend if you have a few things to do between the 13th and 16th and don’t want to miss out on any of the action.
Who Will Win the Grand National 2024?
These are the top two stations to catch the Grand National in the UK, and believe us when we say you’ll want to catch this one. With horses like Corach Rambler, I Am Maximus, and Vanillier all being given good odds, it’s fair to say that this year’s tournament is going to be the hottest contest yet. Corach Rambler is the clear favourite, of course, but no one can tell what’s going to happen on the day.
The trainer Willie Mullins has just come off a fabulous victory at Cheltenham, where he became the first trainer to surpass 100th victories, and managed to match his total of six wins in 2023 within just two days. With I Am Maximus, Capodanno, and Mr Incredible under his name, it’s likely that he’ll have a big part to play in this year’s Grand National. Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead will also be looking to take on Lucinda Russell’s Corach Rambler, with Delta Work and Ain’t That a Shame both putting in great showings of late. We’re not sure what’s going to happen this year – let’s be honest, it’s hard to predict any year – but it’s sure to be a hell of a ride. So make sure you’re tuned in!