the weekend weather

featuring Timothy Bateson as Furber, the flea-circus owner.

A special edition of Grandstand
Introduced by David Coleman direct from Aintree.
Complete coverage of the world's greatest steeplechase.

Grand National Day
12.45 David Coleman sets the scene at Aintree with some of the Grand National's most famous jockeys - Stan Mellor, Terry Biddlecombe, Ron Barry.

1.40 The Aintree Course
Two different views of Aintree - from show-jumper Harvey Smith who takes on the famous fences specially for Grandstand, and from Eddie Harty, the greatest post-war National horseman.

2.00 BP Shield H'cap H'dle (2m 1f)

2.10 Action film of some of the outstanding National runners, and the opinions of their jockeys.

2.30 BP Mile Handicap

2.40 A final check on the runners, riders, the scenes in the Paddock, the Weighing Room, and the Grand National Parade.

3.15 The Grand National Steeplechase (4m 856yds)
The thrills of Bechers, Valentines, The Chair, and the rest of the formidable Aintree course, as a field of top steeplechasers battle for a first prize of more than £24,000.

4.30 The stories behind the race. A look back at the decisive moments of the race - the drama, the falls and how the race was won. (Another look at the Grand National: tonight at 10.20. In search of a winner: pages 52-55)

Also in Grandstand:
1.00* Football Preview
Sam Leitch introduces action, personalities and the latest news of today's vital League matches.

1.20* Fight of the Week: John Stracey (Bethnal Green) v Ricky Porter (Swindon)
Highlights of this week's fight at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

3.45* Rugby League Cup Semi-Final from Bradford: Halifax v Leeds
The second half of today's big Yorkshire clash.

4.45* Final Score

Grandstand Timetable:
12.45 The Aintree Scene
1.00 Football preview
1.20 Fight of the Week
1.40 The Grand National fences
1.50 Racing
2.10 The Fancied Runners
2.25 Racing
2.40 Grand National - Parade Ring
3.15 The Grand National
3.45 Rugby League Cup semi-final
4.30 Grand National re-run
4.45 Final Score
Timings are subject to alteration.

Ed Stewart joins 300 children - aided and abetted by Christie.
The Northern Dance Orchestra
Conducted by Bernard Herrmann
(From Manchester)

Today's Sport

Starring Tony Randall, Senta Berger, Herbert Lom, Wilfrid Hyde White and Terry-Thomas.

Narim Casimir, the most influential man in Marrakesh, awaits the latest busload of visitors with interest. For one of them is bringing two million dollars in return for information - but which one?

(This Week's Films: page 9)

Written by Mike Craig, Lawrie Kinsley and Ron Mcdonnell
Starring Jimmy Tarbuck
with his special guest stars Clodagh Rodgers, June Whitfield
With Daphne Oxenford, Clovissa Newcombe, Gretchen Franklin, Hilda Fenemore, Maxine Casson, Margaret Nolan, Felicity Devonshire, Stefani Thornton, Diana Bailey
The Norman Maen Dancers

by Donald James
[Starring] Megs Jenkins as Janet, Michael Culver as Jerry, Peter Armitage as Chuck, Jane Wellow as Helen, Jenny Till as Frances
with Michael Gwynn as Dr Ian Windfield, Jane Hylton as Sarah Windfield

When you visit your doctor - does it ever occur to you that he might need help more than you do?

with Richard Baker
Weather

Bernard Braden with John Pitman and Esther Rantzen
Nonsense of the week: Ronald Fletcher
Song of the week: Iris Williams
Children of the week: Harold Williamson
and Hilary Pritchard, Chris Munds