in a special edition of Grandstand
Introduced by David Coleman direct from Aintree
BBC colour outside broadcast cameras bring you complete coverage of the world's greatest steeplechase.
Grand National Day
12.30 DAVID COLEMAN sets the Aintree scene, and talks to some of the Grand National personalities, including BRIAN FLETCHER , winning jockey for the past two years.
1.35 Follow the Favourite
On the day that Red Rum bids for a historic National hat-trick, TONY GUBBA and the Grandstand cameras join him at his Southport stables to watch the final preparations for the big race.
2.0 The Ritmeester Cigar Handi cap (2m, If)
2.5 The Fancied Runners
JULIAN WILSON introduces film of this year's leading contenders, and JIMMY LINDLEY gets in the saddle to assess their form.
2.15 Meet the Jockeys david COLEMAN talks to the men who will be riding in the race.
2.30 The Typhoo Tea Cup (Handicap) (1m)
Can anyone stop Red Rum winning the Grand National for a third time? Julian Wilson says:
I Given good going -as it nearly always is at Aintree -Red Rum can win the hat trick. In the rest of the field, look for good 21-milers that are coming m up to their peak. Like Red Rum, 90 per cent of past winners have been geldings; their average age over- the ' past 20 years has been nine (Red Rum first won at eight and again at nine) and the average weight lOst lOlbs.
Average S.P. has been 25-1. If the going is really soft, it might be worth looking for a stayer carrying less weight.' Grandstand: 12.30
2.40 A final check on the runners and riders, the scenes in the Paddock and the Weighing Room, and the Grand National parade.
3.15 The News of the World
Grand National Steeplechase (4m, 856yds)
BBC cameras capture the thrills of Becher's, Valentine's, The Chair, and the rest of the spectacular Aintree fences, as Red Rum bids for a hat-trick and a record first prize of about £38,000.
Commentators PETER O'SULLEVAN
JULIAN WILSON , JOHN HANMER
JIMMY LINDLEY
4.30 The jockeys tell the stories behind the race, in a look back at the highlights of the National.
Also in Grandstand:
12.50
Cup Focus
Today is semi-final day in the FA Cup. BOB WILSON introduces the latest news, action and personalities, and ARCHIE MACPHERSON reports on Scotland's top matches.
1.15
World Championship Ice Hockey from Munich USSR v USA
The first clash of the Olympic gold and silver medallists since Sapporo in 1972. Their last World Championship meeting at Geneva in 1971 proved the best match of the series-with the Russians winning 7-5.
Commentator ALAN WEEKS
3.45
Rugby League Cup Semi-final from Odsal, Bradford
Wakefield Trinity v Widnes
The second half of today's semi-final to detide who meets Warrington in the final at Wembley in May.
Commentator EDDIE WARING
4.40* Final Score: including football results from the teleprinter, reports on today's FA Cup semi-finals, rugby and racing results. Timetable: 12.30 The Aintree Scene
12.50 Football Focus; 1.15 Ice Hockey
1.35 Follow the Favourite; 1.50 Racing
2.5 FanciedRunners: Meet the Jockeys
2.25 Racing; 2.40 Grand National
Parade
3.15 The Grand National
3.45 Rugby League
4.30 Grand National re-run
4.40 Final Score
Television presentation:
The Grand National RAY LAKELAND FRED VINER, DAVID KENNING
Rugby League keith PHILLIPS Football FOCUS BOB ABRAHAMS
Ice Hockey WEST GERMAN TV service
Grandstand produced by BRIAN VENNER Editor ALAN HART
Another chance to see the Grand National: tonight at 10.10