Grand National day is traditionally the one time of the year when we paupers get to revel in the Sport of Kings. Whether we’ve drawn our lot in the office sweepstake, studied the form or simply chosen the horse with the silliest name, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement.
Despite the annual protests about animal cruelty, the National is a part of British culture, a sporting institution since 1839 (and from next year C4 will take over live coverage). A daunting four-and-a-half-mile, 30-fence steeplechase stands between 40 brave jockeys and glory. Clare Balding presents.
Clare Balding is at Aintree to introduce live coverage of the 165th staging of the world's most famous steeplechase, the 4.15 John Smith's Grand National Chase (4m 4f). Plus, coverage of all the races leading up to today's main event: the 1.45 John Smith's Mersey Novices' Hurdle (2m 4f), 2.15 John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase (2m), 2.50 John Smith's Aintree Hurdle (2m 4f) and the 3.25 John Smith's Handicap Chase (3m 1f). Rishi Persad, Richard Dunwoody, Mick Fitzgerald, Richard Pitman, John Parrott and Gary Wiltshire are among the analysts, with the commentary provided by Jim McGrath, Ian Bartlett and Darren Owen.
Radiotimes
