Peak of 8.8 million tune in for return of Grand National after blank 2020

ITV posted the second-highest viewing figures for a Grand National since taking over the main network contract from Channel 4, with a peak of 8.8 million tuning in to watch Rachael Blackmore create history aboard Minella Times.

The figure was down on 2019's 9.6m, as was the audience share. The share of 31.8 per cent compares to an average of 40.3 per cent across ITV's first three National outings and the network.

Ed Chamberlin and the team were on air for three and a quarter hours ahead of the 5.15pm post time and enjoyed a healthy average of 4.78 million viewers across the broadcast.

Other highlights for ITV include a record average audience of more than a million viewers on Thursday and 400,000 for its hour and a half Grand National Opening Show on ITV4 on Saturday morning, up from 300,000 two years ago.

An unforseen element was the enforced change made to the schedule following the death on Friday of Prince Philip, with Friday's coverage moving to ITV4.

Jockey Club Racecourses' Dickon White said: "The ITV team has done a superb job over the three days of the Randox Grand National Festival once again.

"We all needed to adapt following the sad news of the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and they did so while ensuring our sport received the best showcase possible thanks to their quality production and presentation.

"Minella Times, Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead have given us a story for the ages and I'm grateful that ITV have helped to ensure it inspires people across our society that it doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, if you have a dream you should go for it."

Read more on the 2021 Grand National:

Jonjo O'Neill: Tom did the right thing by pulling up favourite Cloth Cap

'I chatted with Rachael at halfway – but I couldn't go with her from two out'

Katie Walsh: Rachael Blackmore is an inspiration to males and females alike

National hero Minella Times adds to season of seasons for Henry de Bromhead

2021 Grand National: how you reacted to the big race on social media

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