Introduced by Desmond Lynam at Aintree, featuring the Martell
Grand National. See today's choices.
♦ Making the Running: This Week, p6
12.15 Prologue A preview of the big race.
12.25 Football Focus Ray Stubbs looks at this weekend's FA Cup semi-final matches, Arsenal v Wolves at Villa Park, and Newcastle Utd v Sheffield Utd at Old Trafford. Plus Rangers v Celtic and Falkirk v Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
1.00 News
1.05 Guide to the Grand National
Desmond Lynam talks to some of the trainers and jockeys associated with the race, including Jenny Pitman and twice champion Richard Dunwoody. Also latest news of the runners and riders from Clare
Balding, Richard Pitman. Jonathan Powell and Graham Rock, and the parade of past winners at 1.20, led by 1982 winner Grittar. Plus other races at 1.45, 2.20 and 2.55.
3.05 Grand National Build-Up
3.45 The Grand National Live coverage of the four-and-a-half gruelling miles and 30 fences. Commentary by Jim McGrath, John Hanmer and Tony O'Hehir. Highlights of the race can be seen at 11.35pm.
4.10 The Re-run Richard Pitman and Peter Scudamore review the entire race.
4.40 Final Score News and results, with further analysis of the Grand National. TV presentation (racing) Martin Hopkins and Malcolm Kemp; Editor Dave Gordon Stereo
Videoplus code for 12. 15-5.15 ........
12.15-3.05 (not PDC) ....................
3.05-5.15 (not PDC) .....
TODAY'S CHOICES
The Grand National
from 12.15pm BBC1
Saturday's Grandstand is dominated by coverage of the Aintree meeting that includes the 151st Grand National at 3.45pm: 30 fences over four-and-a-half miles, the world's most famous steeplechase. There's also news of the weekend's FA Cup semi-finals but, frankly, they will pale in comparison.
Today is the day that the closet punters emerge from the woodwork to place a once-a-year bet (a total of some £65 million), in the hope of winning on some ludicrous outsider. It's a great day. Sadly, there will be no Peter O'Sullevan, now retired; Jim McGrath assumes his duties. Ante-post joint favourites with one bookmaker at the time of writing are Him of Praise and Suny Bay. But who knows what will happen?
Stereo
