Grand National 2016: When is it, what time does it start, and who is the favourite?

Everything you need to know ahead of the big race at Aintree

Many Clouds on the way to victory in the Grand National in 2015 (Getty)

The world's most unpredictable jump race is nearly upon us, with the Grand National taking place this Saturday.

A TV audience in excess of 10 million is expected to tune in for the spectacle that's often likened more to a lottery than a race. In addition, there will be 70,000 roaring on the maximum total of 40 runners at Aintree racecourse.

In total there are 30 jumps over the 4 miles 3½ furlongs with the horses taking approximately 10 minutes to complete the course. Last year Many Clouds, a 25/1 shot ridden by Leighton Aspell, won the race.

Here's everything you need to know...

Date, time and venue

Saturday, April 9, 5.15pm

Aintree Racecourse

Is it on TV?

The Grand National will be shown live on Channel 4. The race begins at 5.15pm. We'll also have live coverage here on the Independent website.

When will the runners and riders be confirmed?

The confirmed runners and riders will be announced at 10am on Thursday. There will be a 40 entrants, plus four reserves. Any non-runners must be declared by 10am on Friday with any of those pulling out replaced by one of the reserves.

Who is the favourite?

Last year's winner Many Clouds is expected to run and is currently considered the favourite to triumph. Silviniaco Conti, Holywell and The Last Samuri are not far behind with the bookmakers.

The start of the Grand National in 2015 (Getty)

Tickets

Tickets to the Grand National on Saturday are still available and range from £25 to £1,999.

Full racecard for the Grand National Meeting

Thursday, April 7 (Grand Opening Day)

1.40: The Merseyrail Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

2.15: The Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)

2.50: The Betfred Bowl (Grade 1)

3.25: The Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)

4.05: The Crabbie's Foxhunters' Chase (Grade 2)

4.40: The Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

5.15: The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open (Grade 2)

Friday, April 8 (Ladies Day)

1.40: The Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

2.15: The Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

2.50: The Betfred Midway Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

3.25: The JLT Melling Chase (Grade 1)

4.05: The Crabbie's Topham Chase (Grade 3)

4.40: The Doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

5.15: The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open (Grade 2)

Saturday, April 9 (Grand National Day)

1.45: The Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

2.25: The EZ Trader Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

3.00: The Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

3.40: The Liverpool Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1)

4.20: The Betfred Handicap Chase (Listed)

5.15: The Crabbie's Grand National (Grade 3) Full information at the foot of this article

6.10: The Pinsent Masons Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)

For the latest betting odds visit BetVictor.