ITV Grand National blow confirmed as broadcaster given major Aintree problem | Racing | Sport

The long-running prestige of the Grand National makes it one of the most eagerly-anticipated events on the British sporting calendar. It is regularly watched by millions of viewers, with millions more lining the pockets of bookmakers by placing bets. However, the latest viewing figures suggest that people are finally starting to lose interest.

According to ITV, this year’s race pulled in a peak audience of 5.2 million viewers across ITV1 and ITVX. Last year’s race was watched by the same number of people, but the overall trend shows a sharp decline.

When the Grand National was shown on the BBC between 2004 and 2012, each staging of the race attracted an average of nine million viewers.

Coverage moved across to Channel 4 in 2013 but the numbers remained strong, with an average of 8.8 million viewers watching the four editions of the Grand National shown on the channel.

However, since ITV won the broadcast rights in 2017, the figures have tumbled. An average of 9.6 million people watched the Grand National in 2019 but there has been a steady decline over the last seven years.

The numbers went down to 8.8 million in 2021, with no race being held in 2020 because of the pandemic.

Around 7.5 million people watched the 2022 and 2023 editions, falling to 6.1m in 2024 and 5.2m in 2025 and 2026.

This year’s Grand National also attracted a total audience share of just 34.9 per cent, meaning nearly two-thirds of TV viewers weren’t interested in watching it.

It’s not clear why the numbers have consistently fallen since the race was shown on BBC and Channel 4. A general decline in the amount of people watching traditional TV is likely to be a contributing factor.

Less favourable start times, increased viewer scrutiny over animal welfare concerns and a shift toward digital streaming might also be at play.

Whatever the reasons may be, ITV will need to find new ways to draw attention to the race or risk a further decline in viewing figures if the current trend continues.