The sporting spotlight will be on the hallowed turf of Aintree racecourse on April 14, as the entire nation goes racing once again for this year’s edition of the world’s greatest steeplechase – the John Smith’s Grand National.
Whether you’re a diehard racing follower or a once-a-year punter, Aintree’s flagship meeting offers something for everybody, and the BBC will provide extensive multi-platform coverage across all three days.
Though the 165th running of the nation’s favourite race will mark the end of a broadcasting association that has spanned six decades, as it will be the 53rd and final time that this great British sporting institution will be screened live on BBC Television.
More than 10 million people across the UK, along with global audience of more than 500 million, will be tuning in for the big race, which is due off on Saturday, April 14 at 4.15pm.
An event rich in history and tradition, the Grand National is the ultimate test of skill and endurance for the sport’s bravest horses and jockeys, as they navigate their way over a demanding course that includes renowned landmarks such as Becher’s Brook, the Canal Turn and The Chair.
Few sights in sport match the sheer excitement of 40 horses thundering towards the first fence for the Grand National, as they all seek to claim one of the most cherished sporting prizes and their moment in the national spotlight.
Whilst the Cheltenham Gold Cup may be widely considered the pinnacle of national hunt racing, the Grand National continues to resonate with the public more than any other event on the racing calendar.
Last year 14-1 shot Ballabriggs, ridden by Jason Maguire and trained by Donald McCain, strode home to victory at Aintree (above), continuing the McCain family association with success at the Grand National.
The McCain name was already a long established part of Aintree folklore before Ballabriggs won 12 months ago, and in doing so it gave Donald McCain, son of the late great Ginger McCain, his first Grand National triumph.
Ginger trained the legendary Red Rum to three wins and two runner up spots, and also won the race with Amberleigh House in 2004.
The McCain family’s success at Aintree forms part of just some of the many iconic moments that BBC cameras has captured from the Grand National throughout the decades, captivating millions around the world and introducing many new fans and admirers to the sport.
The BBC will bid farewell to an event that was one of the crown jewel events of its sporting portfolio for more than 50 years.
Aintree’s showpiece has been a fixture on BBC TV since 1960, and some of sports broadcasting’s most distinguished names have had the honour of guiding the nation through one of the world’s most famous sporting events down the years.
Presenters such as David Coleman, Frank Bough, Desmond Lynam, Sue Barker and Clare Balding have all anchored the BBC’s Grand National coverage during the past five decades.
One constant for the majority of that time was the unflappable race commentary provided by the great Sir Peter O’Sullevan, the voice behind every Grand National on the BBC between 1960 and 1997.
Despite the BBC hierarchy’s loss of appetite for horse racing, there is no doubt that the corporation will give the race a send-off it deserves before coverage passes across to Channel 4 next year.
The BBC’s live coverage of the 2012 Aintree meeting will be hosted once again by Clare Balding, with Rishi Persad providing roving reports from around the course and interviews inside the parade ring.
Analysis will come from Mick Fitzgerald, Richard Pitman and Richard Dunwoody, with the latest news from the betting ring from John Parrott and Gary Wiltshire.
Race commentary throughout the three days will come from Jim McGrath, Ian Bartlett and Darren Owen.
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Liverpool Day – Thursday 12th April
The countdown to the Grand National begins with beginning of three days of live coverage from the famous Aintree racecourse.
Five races feature on BBC Two’s live broadcast, beginning with the Liverpool Hurdle, which was won last year by Big Buck’s for the third time in a row.
The John Smith’s Fox Hunters’ Chase, a race for amateur jockeys over the daunting Grand National fences, is the main event of the first day’s racing at Aintree.
TV LIVE – BBC Two – 1.40pm-4.30pm | Racing UK – 1.30pm-6pm Race Card 14:00 – BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle 14:30 – Matalan Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle 15:05 – Betfred Bowl Chase 15:40 – John Smith’s Fox Hunters’ Chase 16:15 – matalan.co.uk Red Rum Handicap Chase 16:50 – Betfred Manifesto Novices’ Chase (RUK) 17:25 – Silver Cross Handicap Hurdle (RUK)Ladies’ Day – Friday 13th April
Two Grade one races feature on the card on Aintree Ladies’ Day, including the Melling Chase and the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle.
There is also the Topham Chase (3.40pm), the feature race on Friday’s card, which will be the last chance to see how the top jockeys handle the Grand National fences before the big race on Saturday.
TV LIVE – BBC Two – 1.45pm-4.30pm | Racing UK – 1.30pm-6pm Race Card 14:00 – Top Teezer Top Novices Hurdle 14:30 – John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase 15:05 – John Smith’s Melling Chase 15:40 – John Smith’s Topham Chase 16:15 – John Smith’s Sefton Novices’ Hurdle 16:50 – John Smith’s Daily Mirror Punters Club Handicap Hurdle (RUK) 17:25 – John Smith’s Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (RUK)Grand National Day – Saturday 14th April
You’ve assessed the form, picked your favourite and placed your bets. Now settle back and enjoy the world’s greatest horse race – the John Smith’s Grand National – live on BBC One and BBC One HD.
All 40 runners will be ready for a 4.15pm race start, but before that there are four other high quality races to enjoy on the support card.
In the build-up to the National itself, there will be a series of features on some of the main contenders for the race, including the traditional pre-race parade in front of the packed Aintree grandstands.
If you miss the action live, you can watch highlights of the Grand National on BBC Two shortly after midnight, presented by Rishi Persad.
TV Grand National LIVE – BBC One – 1pm-5.10pm | Racing UK – 1.30pm Grand National Highlights – BBC Two – 12.15am-12.45am Race Card 13:45 – John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle 14:15 – John Smith’s Maghull Novice’s Chase 14:50 – John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle 15:25 – John Smith’s Handicap Chase 16:15 – John Smith’s Grand National Chase – RUNNERS 17:05 – John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle (RUK) 17:40 – John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race (RUK) For previews, analysis and further Grand National information, visit the BBC’s Horse Racing website – CLICK HERE . Every race from Aintree will also be shown live on RACING UK
