How to watch The Grand National in the US

The Grand National is one of the most anticipated horse racing events in the world. Fans gather for this spectacle every year at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. Unfortunately, not everyone watching at home can enjoy it due to geo-restrictions.

Many streaming platforms that air the event limit their content to certain regions, making it challenging for fans to watch the race in the US or worldwide. However, there is a solution to this: using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure. Additionally, it allows you to bypass region locks by connecting to a server located in a country where the Grand National is available for streaming.
Read on and find out how to watch the Grand National in the USA and beyond with a VPN.

Top 3 best VPNs to watch The Grand National in US

1. NordVPN

   The top VPN to watch the Grand National in US
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Speedy Grand National streaming VPN
   9.5

Why do you need a VPN to watch The Grand National?

The Grand National is a world-renowned steeplechase that is immensely popular among horse racing enthusiasts. However, despite its global fame, no live broadcast is available in the United States. This is due to the limited number of channels that hold the broadcasting rights to air the races.

If you attempt to view such geo-blocked content without the most reliable VPN service, you’re bound to have a bad time. Watching the Grand National online from a country where it's unavailable will result in an error from the streaming service. For instance, on ITVX you’ll be met with the following message.

Fortunately, there's no need to despair. You can use a steadfast VPN to view all the races live by connecting to a server in the UK. Once connected, your device will receive a UK IP address, which will mask your location, allowing you to watch the Grand National in the US on ITVX.

Best VPNs for The Grand National – detailed list

To pick our best VPNs for streaming the Grand National, we used specific criteria. Our requirements include:

• Servers in the United Kingdom
• Modern VPN tunneling protocols
• Geo-block bypassing capabilities
• Compatibility with popular devices
• Strong security features

Finding the perfect VPN that meets all these criteria can be challenging. That's why we did the hard work for you and came up with our Top 3 podium of VPNs for the Grand National.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for The Grand National streaming

If you're an avid horse racing fan looking to watch the Grand National in the US and beyond, NordVPN is the steed to bet on. With over 6900 servers in 113+ countries, 440 of which are in the UK, a seamless streaming experience is a given. Also, thanks to the proprietary NordLynx protocol, you’ll lose almost none of your base internet speed.

NordVPN has a proven track record of bypassing geo-restrictions on foreign content. The SmartPlay feature makes it one of the best options to unblock streaming services like Netflix, ESPN+, and many more. Additionally, NordVPN supports router configuration and Smart DNS, making it easy to use on any home entertainment system.

And don’t worry, all of this won’t cost you an arm and a hoof. NordVPN subscriptions are now 74% off if you use a fresh NordVPN coupon. Plus, if you're not satisfied with your purchase, there's a safe 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – fast and secure VPN to watch the Grand National

Surfshark is an excellent VPN to secure your virtual ticket to the Grand National. It offers a network of more than 3200 servers (360 in the UK) in over 100 countries , all powered by the WireGuard tunneling protocol. And don’t forget the Smart DNS feature, which is a great extra tool against those pesky geo-blocks around the world.

If you care about your virtual privacy and security, Surfshark goes toe-to-toe with all the big boys of the industry. For your main course, you get AES-256 encryption, MultiHop, and the CleanWeb malware blocker to keep your web activities safe. Likewise, an independently audited no-logs policy ensures your data is your own. Also, you can protect an unlimited number of devices with a single Surfshark plan.

Subscribing to Surfshark is no gamble as its affordable plans are on sale with 86% off. To get the best possible deal, be sure to grab a Surfshark coupon while you’re at it. And if you change your mind, don't worry – there's a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

How we tested top VPNs to watch The Grand National

To choose the right VPN, you have to consider its intended use. For video streaming, fast speeds and the ability to bypass geo-blocks are vital.

These are the main criteria that will ensure an optimal Grand National streaming experience:

• Servers. They are crucial when selecting a VPN to watch the Grand National. The VPN must have location-specific servers, particularly those in the UK where the Grand National is broadcasted for free.
• Speed. The fastest VPNs provide high-speed connections thanks to the WireGuard tunneling protocol. Although, there’s an exception in a form of proprietary protocols, such as Lightway, NordLynx, or Hydra.
• Streaming capabilities. Even if the Grand National is your priority, you should not miss out on other streaming services. Our chosen sports streaming VPNs will also unlock the likes of MLB TV, ESPN+, or NHL TV in the future.
• Price. It's essential to check the value you get from your VPN in terms of performance and features. These days you can easily get a superb VPN for less than $5 per month.
• Security and privacy. Cutting-edge encryption methods, a reliable kill switch, and trustworthy DNS leak protection measures are a must-have in your Grand National VPN package.
• Compatibility. It's always better to get off the high horse and check if a VPN is compatible with your devices. Personal computers and smartphones are covered pretty well in this manner. Though, some streaming-specific hardware might require a router-compatible VPN.

Where to watch The Grand National in 2024

As one of the most premiere horse racing events worldwide, the Grand National is broadcasted in various places worldwide. However, if cable TV is not your cup of tea, then online streaming services are your safest bet. Here are a few of your best options:

If you want to watch the Grand National in the US, you’re in luck. Even though most broadcasters geo-block this event’s live streams, there are ways to jump those fences. All you need is a fast VPN with loads of servers in either the UK or Ireland.

We suggest snatching a NordVPN subscription and choosing ITVX. The first will give you champion-level streaming speeds and the latter will let you enjoy The Great National online free of charge.

How to watch The Grand National live on any device

If you want to enjoy the Grand National live from the US on your phone, laptop, or streaming device, all you need is a good VPN. However, every device has its own way of setting it up, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Don't worry though! We've got you covered with some super easy guides up next. Here we will show you exactly how to use a VPN to unlock the Grand National in the US on the most popular devices out there:

• Watch on your PC
• Watch on your smartphone
• Watch on your streaming device

Watch The Grand National on PC (Windows, macOS)

You don’t have to be a workhorse to set up the Grand National stream on your PC. The following method is super easy and works perfectly on both Windows and macOS computers. Here’s what you’ll have to do:

1. Grab a solid Grand National VPN for your PC. Our frontrunner is NordVPN, now at a 74% discount
2. Install the VPN on your computer
3. Connect to a server in the UK
4. Log in or sign up to the ITVX website
5. Buckle up and join the race!

Unlock the Grand National with NordVPN

Watch The Grand National on a smartphone (Android, iPhone)

Using your Android or iOS device to watch the Grand National is a great way to experience the race on the go. Learn how to watch the Grand National live stream on your phone with this short guide:

1. Pick a VPN with servers in the UK. Our most trusted one is NordVPN, now on 74% sale
2. Connect to a United Kingdom server
3. Set up a new Google account for Android or Apple ID for iOS and pick the UK as your country
4. Hop into your phone’s app store and look for the ITVX app
5. Sign in or register a new account
6. Jump to the “Live” section and enjoy the Grand National!

Watch The Grand National on streaming devices

Setting up the Grand National live broadcast on your streaming gadget is no horsin’ around. Since some popular streaming devices, like Apple TV or Roku, do not support VPNs natively, it’s better to find a universal solution. And using the VPN on your router is just that.

Try these steps to watch the Grand National in the US on your streaming device:

1. Snatch a router-compatible VPN. We recommend NordVPN, now 74% off
2. Install the VPN on your router. If you need help, we have a full guide on how to install a VPN on your router
3. Connect to a server in the UK
4. Restart your device and set up a new internet connection
5. Search for ITVX on your streaming device
6. Sign up or log in with your existing ITV account
7. Join the best jockeys on the Grand National!

Stream the Grand National with NordVPN

Can’t watch The Grand National with a VPN: solution

Sometimes you might not get a smooth gallop, even if you did everything right. Most streaming services actively try to ban VPN server IP addresses these days. Therefore, you might need to jump some extra hoops before witnessing the Grand National in the US or worldwide.

Here are a few solutions you should check first:

• Check for IP or DNS leaks. Underequipped VPNs usually expose your true IP through the cracks which in turn reveals your real location. Make sure your IP and DNS addresses are hidden through third-party sites, like ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com.
• Try a different server. Using a server with a banned IP address will result in some unwanted errors. A quick saddle switch to a different server or location might save you from an unnecessary headache.
• Wipe your browser cookies. Most websites today are stuffed with internet cookies which tend to leave a really nasty crumb trail to your location. Clearing the cookies off your browser or using incognito mode tends to solve a lot of location-related problems.
• Check for VPN updates. Taking good care of your VPN will let it handle your security effectively. An outdated application might lead to some connectivity problems or security risks. Make sure your VPN is up-to-date before going on virtual voyages.

In case a quick fix bears no fruit, contacting your VPN’s customer service might be a good idea. Top VPN providers usually have 24/7 live support waiting just a few clicks away. On the other hand, if you already thought of switching your VPN, maybe the time is neigh!

Renowned services, like NordVPN, always deliver consistent and stable streaming experience no matter where you are. Plenty of speedy servers and exceptional geo-unlocking features will get your saddle ready for the Grand National in no time.

Stream effortlessly with NordVPN

Can I watch The Grand National for free?

You can watch the Grand National for free on ITVX if you're in the UK. But if you're outside British soil, you can still see it free of charge using a VPN with strong servers in the UK.

However, if you’re going for a completely costless route, you may want to hold your horses. You might see a bunch of free VPNs that state they can get past location restrictions, but we can’t really recommend using them. Most of these free VPNs aren't good enough to get around geo-blocks and may sell your data to third parties.

If you're on a tight budget and really have to use a free VPN, you could try a freemium one. That's a basic version of a paid VPN that doesn't cost a dime. But just so you know, these types of VPNs are usually not the best at getting past geo-restrictions and they have limited features and servers.

If you only need a VPN for the Grand National, you can sign up for a free trial VPN. You can also try one of the best Grand National VPNs with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Overall, just make sure you pick a fine and reliable VPN so your online activities are safe and your privacy is protected.

Grand National for free with NordVPN

The Grand National 2023 schedule

The Grand National 2023 is not just a single-race spectacle. This huge event entertains the visitors with whole three days of exhilarating horse racing action. Here’s what to look out for during this year’s Grand National:

Opening day: Thursday, April 13, 2023.

The Ladies day: Friday, April 14, 2023.

The Grand National day: Saturday, April 15, 2023.

The Grand National overview

The Grand National is the biggest horse race around the globe and it happens every year at the Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, UK. It's the most noteworthy steeplechase event which gathers the biggest horse racing fans from all over the world.

The fun kicks off with Opening Day where you can watch lots of Grade 1 races and enjoy live entertainment. The next day is all about the ladies! In fact, it is officially called Ladies Day and it's full of fun both on and off the racetrack.

The Grand National is the culmination of the three-day event where the best forty horses and jockeys go head-to-head to win the Grand National trophy. The champion title currently belongs to Noble Yeats trained by Emmet Mullins and ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen. Who’s going to win this year? Guess you’ll have to see for yourself!

Catch the most exciting steeplechase this year from Thursday, April 13 through Saturday, April 15. Live coverage of the events is planned to begin each day at 1:45 pm GMT (8:45 am ET). The Grand National final race starts at 5:15 pm GMT on the 15th of April.

Final stretch

The Grand National is a massive event that horse racing fans worldwide go nuts for. Unfortunately, it's only available to stream in but a few countries. Regardless, don't let that stop you from catching all the best steeplechase action! All you have to do is grab a trusty VPN, connect to a UK server, and stream all the races for free on ITVX.

Through our tests, we found that NordVPN delivered the smoothest streaming experience for the Grand National. Follow the live coverage and access geo-restricted content in the US and anywhere in the world with the top-class VPN solution.

Which VPN do you think is the best to stream The Grand National outside the UK? Let us know by leaving a comment!

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FAQ

How can I watch The Grand National live outside UK?

To watch the Grand National worldwide, you must use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). First, get a fast VPN with UK servers, such as NordVPN. Connect to a server in the UK and head to the ITV streaming platform. Log in or register a free account and enjoy live the Grand National broadcast online.

When is The Grand National in US time?

The Grand National main race starts April 15th, 12:15 PM ET / 9:15 AM PT. The whole event takes three days with the main race crowning the finale. Live coverage of the Grand National starts each day at 8:45 AM ET / 5:45 AM PT. Grab a top Grand National VPN and watch it on ITVX for free.

Can I watch The Grand National for free?

Yes, you can watch the Grand National for free on ITVX and Virgin Media One. Keep in mind, both platforms are geo-restricted to the UK and Ireland respectively. If you want to access these services worldwide, you’ll have to use a VPN for the Grand National.

Where can I watch The Grand National in the USA?

You can watch it on ITVX, Virgin Media One, Foxtel, or CBC player. However, all of these online platforms streaming the race live are region-restricted to either UK, Ireland, Australia, or Canada. With a strong VPN, such as NordVPN, you can watch the race on ITVX or Virgin Media One completely free.