Who are the Grand National 2025 presenters on ITV?

By Lewis Barnett 31 March, 2025 6 mins read 28 Views

The Grand National is set to make its grand return to Aintree this Saturday, attracting thousands of enthusiasts eager to witness the most anticipated horse race of the year.

Listen to the Summary

Champions of 2024 Take the Lead

Last year, I Am Maximus secured a stunning victory, marking trainer Willie Mullins' second triumph in this prestigious event. Favorites for the upcoming race include seasoned competitors like Intense Raffles, Iroko, and Mullins' reigning champion.

ITV1 to Showcase the Iconic Race

The main event at Aintree will again be aired on ITV1, featuring a lineup of familiar presenters who fans have come to trust during live coverage. SunSport has compiled the list of presenters set to cover the three-day festival.

ITV's Star-Studded Broadcasting Team

Leading the coverage is Ed Chamberlin, who will oversee ITV Racing's presentation of five premier races each day throughout the festival. On Grand National Day, an extended program is planned to capture all the live action.

Expert Insights from Former Champions

The ITV team, recognized with a BAFTA, includes seasoned pundits and ex-jockeys like Sir Anthony McCoy, Ruby Walsh, and Alice Plunkett. Adding to the lineup is Sam Quek, a former Olympian, who will provide insights directly from the Aintree track.

Special Features and Interactive Segments

Oli Bell will engage viewers in the social stable, discussing key statistics and interacting with the audience. Alongside him, Ruby Walsh will offer an in-depth, fence-by-fence analysis of the Grand National events on Saturday.

Dynamic Race Calling Crew

The races throughout the three days will be called by the talented trio of Richard Hoiles, Mark Johnson, and Stewart Machin, ensuring flawless commentary for each thrilling moment.

Morning Previews and Highlights

The Opening Show, airing on ITV4 each day and moving to ITV1 on Saturday, will be hosted by Oli. It will feature previews of the day's major races and capture the excitement around the track each morning, with a mix of special guests joining during the festival.

Aintree Action Schedule

All race times are in British Summer Time (BST). Here's what to expect during the three-day event:

Thursday, April 3 – Opening Day

13:45 – EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 4f
14:20 – Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 1f
14:55 – Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1f
15:30 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 4f
16:05 – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase (Class 2) 2m 5f
16:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Premier Handicap 2m
17:15 – Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 1f

Friday, April 4 – Ladies Day

Coverage: BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 14:00 to 16:15, with the Topham Chase also on 5 Live.

13:45 – Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1f
14:20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3 2m 4f
14:55 – Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 1/2f
15:30 – My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f
16:05 – Randox supporting Prostate Cancer UK Topham Handicap Chase (Class 1) Premier Handicap 2m 5f
16:40 – Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1/2f
17:15 – Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) (Conditional & Amateur Jockeys) 2m1/2f

Saturday, April 5 – Grand National Day

Coverage: Build-up and commentary on the National on BBC Radio 5 Live from Aintree; live text commentary, reaction, and reports on BBC Sport website and app.

13:20 – William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Premier Handicap 3m ½f
13:55 – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f
14:30 – William Hill Freebooter Handicap Chase (Class 1) Premier Handicap 3m 1f
15:05 – Liverpool Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 3m ½f
16:00 – Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Class 1) Premier Handicap 4m 2½f
17:00 – Maghull Novices’ Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 2m
17:35 – Weatherbys NHStallion.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 1) Grade 2 2m 1f

Frequently Asked Questions

When can a horse be expected to start racing training?

Horses may begin their basic training as yearlings but they will usually begin more rigorous racing training and conditioning at around two years. This is when their bodies are mature enough to handle the stresses of the track while still being young and adaptable for the learning process. Depending on the temperament and development of the horse, exact timing may differ.

How often are racehorses trained?

Training frequency for racehorses is usually tailored to the individual horse's needs, level of fitness, and racing schedule. They would usually have a daily regimen consisting of walking, trotting and cantering with more intense work like galloping and breezing a few times a week in order to build speed and stamina. Rest days allow the horse time to recover from training and to avoid overtraining.

How can I maintain the mental well-being of my racehorse?

Maintenance of a racehorse's mental health is as crucial as its physical conditioning. Varied routines, regular turnout to pasture, mental stimulation, and gentle, patient handling all contribute to a racehorse's psychological well-being. To prevent stress, it is important that the horse be socialized and has a stable and calm environment.

Is there a need for a specific shoe on a racing horse?

Racing plates are typically lighter and thinner compared to regular horseshoes. These plates minimize weight while providing the necessary traction for the racetrack. A racehorse farrier will select and fit the shoes according to each horse's foot conformation, and the surface on which they will be racing.

What's the best kind of diet for racing horses to follow?

It is important that the diet of a racing horse be of high quality, and well-balanced to meet its energetic needs during training and competition. The diet is usually a mixture of high-quality hay, grains like oats and barley, as well as commercially prepared racehorse feed. In order to ensure peak performance, it is important that the diet be supplemented with vitamins and minerals.

How critical is the horse's pedigree in racing success?

While pedigree can be an indicator of potential, it is not the sole determinant of a racehorse's success. The lineage of a horse may indicate an inherited ability for speed or endurance. However, training, health and temperament can also be influential factors. Good training can maximize a horse's natural abilities and even allow it to outperform others with more impressive pedigrees.

Statistics

Statistically, less than 1% of thoroughbred foals born each year will go on to win a stakes race.
Research has found that a racehorse's stride length can increase by up to 7% following specific strength and conditioning programs.
The Injury Database from The Jockey Club reports that synthetic racing surfaces have a lower horse fatality rate than dirt tracks, with a statistically significant difference of 1.2 fatalities per thousand starts on synthetics compared to 2.0 on dirt tracks.
Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
Racehorse mortality rates during racing have been observed to be between 1.5 to 2 deaths per thousand starts, depending on the racing jurisdiction.
The majority of racehorses in training are subject to an exercise regimen that includes being ridden six days a week.

External Links

How To

How To Choose the Right Diet for a Racehorse

To select the best diet for racehorses, you must ensure a balanced mix of grains, forage, and nutritional supplements. For gut health, the bulk of a racehorse's diet should be high-quality forage or pasture. Add grains, such as oats, to your diet for the energy boost you need during workouts. Adequate electrolytes and vitamins added through supplements support recovery and overall health. Working with an equine nutritionalist, you can tailor the diet to meet the individual needs of the horse based on its workload and metabolism.

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