2012 The Grand National

What you'll see at Aintree this afternoon is the end product, the

dream, for thousands of people across the country, working yards,

big and small, the ultimate thrill is to be involved in a horse that's

running in the Grand National and for one of them they will know by

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 43 seconds

this evening that they have won the And this is the stage for a

sporting event like no other. The Grand National was first run in

1839. It was won by the five to one favourite. He was a horse called

Lottery. In the intervening years it's seemed like a complete lottery.

Crowds want to be here, including Sir Alex Ferguson. They want to be

here to witness history in the making. It's as famous for the

horse that's have won it, for the likes of Foinavon or Alderniti, but

also famous for those who haven't, the most dramatic Devon Loch, who

took a flying leap there and denied the Queen mother a victory in this

race. Aintree today is a complete sellout. A lot of people are here

in the betting ring to work out what they're going to back of the

40 runners in the race. There's been a lot of money for a horse

called Seabass. In 1944 the film was made of National velvet. In it

Elizabeth Taylor dressed as a boy, came here and won the Grand

National. Today fantasy could become reality. That is arguably

the biggest story of all. Nina Carberry as well in there on

Organisedconfusion. This race touches the soul like no other.

Here in the sunshine at Aintree, we've got live commentary... Spring

comes to consciousness and sets the pulse racing. Across the good to

firm of these thrilling fields. Where plot was to extend beyond the

mortal realm. And moisened palms crease betting slips twixt fingers

crossed. Reminisces from the big chair of flight without wings

tearing through the air. Flak back cut aways to monochrome collisions,

men jockey for position. The commotion of emotion, the first to

show, the electric sprinters, the ready, steady go, the sheep skin

nose band, the blinkered view, the mythical flying horse, the too good

to be true, the ripple of muscle, the pound of flesh, the old, the

young, the tired, the fresh. Owners, trainers, runners, riders, debt

certs, favourites, fancied outsiders. This heroic noble equine

beauty merely serves to widen the smile. This is about place, or

culture and nothing comes within a mile. The geography has never

changed for the wise man or the fool. It's in the country's DNA,

Aintree, Liverpool. It all comes down to these

magnificent animals. Down in the stables and arrived early

Synchronised, the Gold Cup winner, trying to emulate the last horse to

do the same in 1934. That's Ballabriggs in the same box as last

year and the same box that Red Rum used to have. That's Seabass, the

mount of Katie Walsh, attracting all the money. West End Rocker,

Wayne Hutchinson will ride him. Sometimes you can ask a question:

Do you think you're going to win the National? This is Ruby Walsh's

horse. Are you any good? I think that's a yes. They have been

beautifully cared for and prepared and AP McCoy is the man getting the

leg up on Synchronised trying to win his second Grand National. Ruby

Walsh and Barry Geraghty chat ago way to each other. A real feeling

of camraderie. That was Dennis O'Regan and Andrew Thornton there.

Richard Johnson could have a decent ride. He's chuckling away. He rides

Planet of Sound. And Jason Maguire is back again, hoping for another

dose of the best feeling in the world. Bob Champion who won in 1981,

will be leading out these jockeys, who include eight Grand National

winners for the legends race, the first race we'll show you live. A

lot of old, familiar faces there. A lovely atmosphere in the changing

room I suspect. Mick fits Gerald, a man who won the race. There's such

a buzz around the place. There is nothing quite like Liverpool.

There's nothing quite like the Grand National. It brings people to

life. Everywhere you look there's a story and could this be the

greatest story of all, this year? Do you think that Nina Carberry or

Katie Walsh winning would be the story that would reverberate around

the world. Will that make the biggest impact? It feels like

something very special is going to happen today, it really does. I

don't know whether I'm getting wrapped up in the buzz that is just

this race. There is something very special about it. Do you come here

now thinking "I wish I was still riding?" Is that the best place to

be? I do. On days like this, to walk down that little walkway here

to feel like you own this place for ten minutes. We are with you all

afternoon until 5.10pm. Here are some of the things we have in

store: Come tomorrow they may find themselves on the front pages of

the newspapers. I went to Yorkshire to meets the knellson family who

own According To Pete. One of the greatest stories of the day could

be of Katie Walsh won the Grand National for her Father Ted. He

rides Seabass, the best backed horse of the day. We take a tour

around 30 fences that they will be jumping in the company of winning

jockey Mick FitzGerald. We pay tribute to ginger McCain, the

trainer of Red Rum, has been followed by his son Donald, who

trains Ballabriggs this year. James May takes a fascinating Turin side

the lungs and heart of a race horse. He's the best person to look under

the bonnet. And the big race itself, 40 runners

line up at 4.15pm, for the greatest jumps race in the worldment --

world. We have five races before world. We have five races before

Our very own Richard Pitman who came so dlos winning the Grand

National in 1973 and who only recently donated a kidney is riding

in this John Smith's legends race, all of this raising money for the

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Bob Champion Cancer Trust, which he We have and this could be dangerous,

we've put a microphone on Richard, to hear what's going on. Have a

little listen. Settle down. Unlike Pitters, he's being quiet quite at

the moment. There's betting on this race as well. Mick Fitzgerald is

with me, some of these are great mates of yours. I think Pitters is

being safe there. He's hardly out of breath already. Marcus Armitage

has been doing some fitness. Yes, and he's very competitive, very fit.

Adrian Maguire there. Adrian was brilliant as a jockey. He will be

competitive also. That's Cape Express in the foreground. Number

four is Fidelis. We hope for a clean start. Our live action is

going to get under way on Grand National with this race for

legendary jockeys. Let's hand up to legendary jockeys. Let's hand up to

the commentary box and Jim McGrath. Thank you Clare. We have seen a

gallop by Bob Champion and John Joe O'Neill. They led the horses out.

These great riders, most of them part of the Aintree legend here,

all past winners. Mr Marcus Armitage there on the left. In the

red with the white sleeves. Last amateur to win the Grand National

in 1990 on Mr Frisk. Here is Jonjo on the right, appropriately in KP

McManus' colours and on the left Bob Champion. What a great man he's

been. 31 years ago he won on Alderniti, one of the greatest

fairy-tale wins ever in the history of the Grand National. Bob coming

back, fighting cancer, overcoming that and Alde -- Alderniti, a

cripple, coming back to win the greatest steeplechase. Jonjo having

had illness early in his career. They look like they're coming in.

They'll be very xestive, stkpwiet the fact many of them have been out

of the saddle for a long time. That's it, they're off and running

and May Contain Nuts has begun well. Satou, they're sharing the lead. In

third American Trilogy. Just Lille -- Private Story next. Let's hear

Richard. A mile-and-a-half to go. Must say the ground feels slightly

puddingy on top, different to when you're walking it. Richard Pitman

in third last position at the moment. May Contain Nuts on his

inside. They swing past the judges, Satou. Two lengths in advance now

of Just Lille. In fourth Private Story with the orange cap. Two

length as way Mick Cenan in fifth position on American Trilogy. They

swing into the back now. Further back in the field then, we can see

Miller's Reef. He's decided to stay wide. Adrian Maguire on Arabain

Heights has dropped right back through the field to last. He's on

the inside there. Pillar of Hercules is on his outside. He was

the rider of Band aree. Satou on the inside, the yellow jacket. In

the centre moving up stylishly. American Trilogy making ground with

the green cap. The grey on the inside Jimmy Frost, very prominent.

Vault Vogul making ground. Cape Express is getting a good ride. Two

lengths away the grey and Richard Pitman is last now. He said he

would run out of puff. He didn't think he would win. Now he's losing

ground. Now he's making ground. He's run past May Contain Nuts. It

gives him a send off as he goes past. They race to the home

straight in this John Smith's Aintree legends charity race. They

swing towards the corner now. On the inside the leader is Just Lille.

From Sky Calling. In third American Trilogy. He's starting to anything

alway. Two lengths away. Vault Vogul. Further back the grey,

followed by Adrian Maguire with Arabain Heights. American Trilogy

takes the lead. Mick kicks for home now. The 13 times Irish champion on

the flat. He's gone two lengths in front. No, there's no danger, he's

careering away. It's the 13 times Irish champion who's going to go on

and win the John Smith's Aintree legends charity race. He wins it by

a street. He wins by seven lengths. In second Vault Vogul. Cape Express

in third. Arabain Heights in fifth. Followeded -- followed by Fidelis.

Richard Pitman I think has beaten two home. They have all gone around

safely. It was the 13 times Irish champion, who was on the best horse.

He was able to take advantage of that and to win very comfortably

indeed. Number eight, American Trilogy, second number five,

Waldvogel, third number one, Cape Express. Fourth number seven, Sky

He's loving it. He's there with Dan Skelton and his wife as well.

They're absolutely loving it, as they see American Trilogy go to the

line and win the Legends Race very well. Nine lengths the winning

distance and one-and-a-half between distance and one-and-a-half between

second and third. The amazing thing he doesn't look any different Mick

Kinan, he retired at the end of 2009. He looks great. He looks no

different than when he was riding. Richard Pitman doesn't look that

much different. We'll talk to him later. Look at the tiny saddle!

There's not much to balance on there. He did very well. I can't

wait to talk to him about it. Well done to American Trilogy and great

to see those, the faces from years gone by that many people watching

will remember and also, lovely that Jonjo O'Neill and bob champion

should lead them out and greet them afterwards. For everybody at home,

you'll have picked a horse in the sweep stake or selected one to bet

on, often the story on the day or the biggest tip is what is being

backed. Down to the betting ring to find out.

We'll keep you up to date with that. There are golden rules, what are

they? Shop around for the value. It's like going to the supermarkets,

buying the milk in the morning. Shop around for the value, look for

the best prices. If you want a play each way. Most firms going first

four, some first five. Would you recommend take a price as well?

must. Make sure you take the price and get the value. That's what it's

all about. Here we are, there's the all about. Here we are, there's the

prices for this the Grand National: It's all about Seabass this morning.

It was 16-1 this morning. That's been smashed. It's 10-1 now. It

could go off five. Would would have thought that two days ago.

Synchronised I thought would start about 6-1. All the money for Katie

Walsh and Seabass. Ballabriggs sure to run well again.

Junior no money for Junior. Anyone to fancy here? Giles Cross I have

that in the BBC sweep. There's a bit of money for that at 20-1. I

have Black Apalachi in the sweep. He's a bit too old. Did you have a

bet yesterday? I had a good little bet. I was out and about yesterday,

zuking and diving. I've had a free bet here from Paddy Power �500 on

Your Tie. More runners here: I spoke to Andy Thornton in the pub,

he left at 11 o'clock. He looked as if he was getting ready for the

ride. Hello Bud has a chance as well. You had a bet on what?

backed you to wear a blue tie today. It was 2-1. With Everton playing

today and we know the score at halftime. Tell everybody what

colour tie you're wearing. A blue tie. So it's �1500 to Alder Hey

hospital, the local hospital here. We're starting off with a winner.

Great start. They're smiling because Everton are 1-0 up and

because Alder Hey will get that money. So many things that could

happen today that will end up being talked about in 50 years' time, or

100 years even. Let's join Jim McGrath for a scan across the

McGrath for a scan across the The Grand National always throws up

great stories. The win for Donald McCain's Ballabriggs would make him

the first repeat winner since Red Rum, almost 40 years ago. The

legendary horse trained by Donald's late father Ginger. He's the same

chance as last year. He's fit and well. We've come here fresh. He had

a run round at Kelso. He's -- he likes the place. Looking forward to

it. It was 1934 when the legendary Golden Miller completed the Gold

Cup Grand National double. Today Synchronised aims to join him in

the record books. The trainer is very happy with him, you know, to

get the Gold Cup was great to. Get the bubble, I -- double, I haven't

started to dream about it yet. Nicholls is locked in a battle for

the trainers' title with Nicky Henderson. A win for Neptune

Collonges or Shakalakaboomboom would have added. Winning grade

ones, he's older now, but he's run OK this year. We've never won it.

Been close a few times. It would be nice to find one. If there's a

horse for the big occasion, surely it's Junior, who seems to save his

best for the major racing festivals. Junior is hoping to become the

first horse to win at Royal Ascot, Cheltenham Festival and the Grand

National. It's a unique achievement. It shows his versatility that he

can excel at so many disciplines. Looking forward to the challenge.

The oldest horse in the race will be ridden by the youngest jockey,

as 14-year-old Hello Bud seeks to become the second oldest winner

ever under 19-year-old Sam Twiston- Davies. A good friend of mine. He's

done myself massive favours. He's got a massive heart and hopefully

he'll just keep galloping. 15 runners have come over from

Ireland, including Seabass, ridden by Katie Walsh and

Organisedconfusion, the mount of her sister-in-law Nina Carberry.

Both are seeking to become the first woman to win the great race.

It would be absolutely fantastic. I think it will happen at some stage.

I don't know when. We're hoping to get round and if comes down to that,

it will be fantastic, history. think an awful lot of people

involved in racing have just one thought about this year's Grand

National. Jim McGrath, what is the stand-out thing that you hope

happens today? I hope there's a great story here. I'm sure there

will be. Inevitably this throws up fantastic stories. As we said in

the piece before, if Nina Carberry or Katie Walsh could actually win

the race it will be so wonderful for the history of the race, for

the story of the race. They're two outstanding riders. They get their

opportunity here today. There have been modifications to the course.

Everyone's done everything possible to make this a safer race. It is a

fairer race, a safer race, but it is the ultimate challenge for horse

and rider. I don't think there's a single person here that isn't

hoping that everyone comes home safe and sound. Darren, this is a

very different commentary experience. Is there anything you

do that's special for preparing for the Grand National? Well, we've got

the problem of Mon Mome and Black Apalachi, both in dark green

colours. Black Apalachi wears cheek pieces. I believe they could be

brown. I'd like to see Black Apalachi with white cheek pieces.

Regarding my position at Becher's Brook, I've got one or two problem

areas. There are bushes alongside the golf course by fence number

five, which mean it's obscures my view of the landing side of fence

four. Fence four is one of Ian Bartlett's fences. If they fall

there, it's difficult to pick it up. We don't want anything happening at

fence four. The Canal Turn as well, there is a blind spot at the Canal

Turn, so you've really got to be on your toes. It is the ultimate

commentary challenge. They'll both be joined by Ian Bartlett too.

Fence four has been lowered in height and has been modified. If

you have a look down here from the start, long, long gallop to the

first fence, then a set of six fences and the sixth is Becher's

Brook. That is where we find Richard Dunwoody and with him is

Rishi Persad. This is one of the fences with modifications to make

the race safer for runners and riders. At Becher's Brook they've

raised the landing area slightly. How much easier is it? It will be

ease tkwror ride. They have built - - easier to ride. They have built

it up about five inches. It's not the fence I jumped ten years ago.

The ground is good, good to soft in places. I can't find any good to

soft places. What do you make TV? Really good jumping ground. It will

be against those horses like like it heavy. They've also done some

things, procedural changes as well, including a wash down area, similar

to what we have at the Olympics. Yeah, great idea, that is. They've

got fans there. They've borrowed them from the Olympics to help the

horses cool down. Richard and I are in the BBC sweep stake, who have

you got? We might be fighting it out your horse and mine at the rear

of the field. I've got Hello Bud. And Rare Bob, two of the outsiders.

We might not be celebrating today. I picked out Alfa Beat, who's 80-1

shot, one of the greys. Who did you get? Becauseicouldntsee. You hope

you can. I hope he can. Mick Kinnan being interviewed there. Ofrpblgts

He rides out every day? I don't think every day, but he is still

involved. Jump jockeys weigh, I was about to say stripped, that's how

they referred to it, how much roughly? About ten stone, 10.4. AP

McCoy, maybe around 10.7 today, quite comfortable. He's carrying 11

stone 10 in the race on Synchronised. He has top weight.

The Grand National, there's a handicap. The less talented horse

carry the least weight. The difference between Synchronised on

11 stone 10 and one of the ones on 10 stone? You look at Tharawaat he

only has 10 stone four, for instance. If you try to pick up a

bag with these in it, I promise you, it's a real struggle. This one

alone OK. We're putting on here 11kilograms worth. How has that

worked out? That is how much the difference will be from

Synchronised down to the bottom weight. A lot of that weight has to

be made up in lead plits that go inside the saddle cloth. It's in

weights that are in the saddle cloth. It should be easier for the

horse to carry it. This may sound a daft question, do some jockeys ride

lighter than others? Yes they do. Somebody who is very light, they

spring straight on, dead weight on the other hand just sit there, and

it's of no use. The greatest challenge is getting round with all

the weight in the saddle cloth, sitting there and making it harder

to gallop fast. The ones at the the youngest jockey in the race,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 43 seconds

We're in the betting ring again. We have had Tom Segal in, David Yates,

and Sam Turner now, Robin Good in the Daily Mail. How's it going?

Very good. Hopefully a big race today to safer. Most punters want

to know how do you go about picking a win sner You stick a fork in and

try to get the first three. I try it approach it by picking something

towards the bot o. Weights with a class horse, you know, you have

Giles Cross off ten stone one, it's a classy renewal. Something down

the bottom of the weights that stays well. We can put the prices

up here for the Grand National for I've gone for Treacle. Third in the

Irish Hennessy. Also fancy On His Own, because Ruby Walsh rides.

Terrific jockey. Great completion rate. I think he'll go OK.

Killyglen, still going well when falling four out last year and

warmed up with a nice performance at Down Royal. Whro will be

favourite? At the moment it's Synchronised -- Who will be

favourite? At the moment it's Synchronised. There is so much

public momentum for Seabass. All the ones next to her name. I think

that horse is gaining some momentum. I thought Ballabriggs would be

close, because the ground's dry. I've been shopping around, John,

and I've seen a bet here, Ladbrokes, when they come on course, 12-1

Synchronised and laid �50,000. Bangers and mash, cash, 12-1. I

think Synchronised will go off favourite. Pick another winner?

Chapoturgeon in the 3.25. You heard it here first. Robin, thank you

very much. Just to emphasise we have four races to come before the

Grand National itself. We'll continue to work our way through

the 40 runners and riders in reverse-weight order. Batches of

ten runners at a time. The last Yorkshire-trained winner was back

in 1960, Merryman. We could see the next or the first since then today,

because According To Pete is owned and was bred by a man called Peter

Nelson, who comes from a village 15 miles north of York. The horse is

trained half an hour east of that. When The Local shop closed down and

the papers stopped being delivered Peter and his family decided to

take on the task themselves and I said OK, I'll help you. It's gone

6am. I never did a paper round when I was little, so this is a first

for me. Morning. This is your little paper shop? It keeps us

getting up in the morning. Sandra, what is the benefit for you? Does

he pay you? Keeping fit. Listen, next Sunday it might you you lot

all over the front page, you never know. Mustn't scrunch the paper.

It's very important. This is Jim, my dad's best friend. What do you

think about him having a runner in the Grand National? Fantastic. He

dreamed about it. Hello. Good morning. I've got my PJs on. I've

seen that. You've set me up for this, Sandra. She hasn't. My dad

said if you're going to do something you have to do it well

and I might be a bit slow, but I'm being very precise. You are! That's

my last one. You lucky thing. I carry that? Are you sure? I've

got one left. Somebody who is on holiday. Cheers to you. Natives of

Yorkshire are not shy in coming forward with their views and it's

that reason partly that explains where According To Pete got his

name from. The 11-year-old is one of two in training for Peter Nelson,

the 71-year-old businessman. LAUGHTER

I've never been a businessman in my life To us, like, a horse is a

dream. I use today dream, but never thought weighed own one. -- we

would own one. I have a nice workshop and paid obg and field. I

love it. I spend my time -- paddock and field. I love it. I spend my

time. That's where he runs with his mum. I can't go to the sales, but I

can breed one, pay stud fee and keep him and bring him up. This is

where Pete grew up, is it? We were going to make it into a shop, but

we never got around to it. There is where he grew up in here, for the

first two years. We have had him from a foul. We bred him. You look

at him and think, well, he could be a world beater or nothing. You

don't know. He's growing up here and he's genuinely one of the

family. Yeah. You've seen him every step of the way. Turned him out and

had him all the time and broken in at Malcolm's when he was a two-

year-old. I went to see him when he was born. The funniest thing.

Really, why? Because he was white faced. That's all you saw over the

door and he shot under his mother. He's been a real star from day one

and he goes and does the work and comes off the gallops full of

himself again. Talk me through the plans for Saturday. Take the papers

first thing. Have a bit of breakfast and head towards

Liverpool. Then worry like hell until the race comes. You've never

watched him run? I did when he ran in his bumpers and I did when he

ran in his hurdle races, but then he went to Cheltenham and I

couldn't watch. Where did you go? stood in the toilets. Ever since

then I stand in the toilets. That's where you'll be at Aintree? Yeah.

love him to do well, because he's been such a lovely, honest animal.

I love to par rid him around apple by. -- parade him around Appleby.

You never realised how good he was and Mike used to say with Peter,

you don't realise what a good horse you've got there. He's been a

lovely animal for us and I just hope he gets around safe and sound.

Family there, delivering the papers there morning Andhaary Hains had a

winner here at Aintree on At A Glance, the horse from Cheltenham

and Malcolm's two Cheltenham winners have come here and both of

them have won. Cape Tribulation. Harry's in good form. 23-year-old

Harry will be having his first ride on According To Pete and Mick you

have to fancy him? I do. In the old days there were horses around good

form around Haydock and Aintree. Malcolm is red hot. I've got too

emotionally attached to him. His wife Anne says, "It's always

According To Pete." He's always coming up with a theory or another.

The reason the race is so special that over 173 years it has created

so much history and we celebrate that as much as anything. The best

man to do that is the one who has seen more than anyone, Peter

O'Sullevan. Not many people can claim to have trained both the

horse and jockey to Grand National glory, but Fred Winter could, after

the 65 National. Jade Trump became the first American-bred, owned to

win the horse. Much of the credit lay with Fred, a giant of the sport,

who rode two Grand National winners and went on to train too more.

Jockey Tommy Smith had been primed for his first and what would be

last, ride around Aintree's big fences, under the tueth lath of

Fred Winter. It real -- tutelage of Fred Winter. It really was a great

fin injury. Winter had prepared the imported horse to perfection for an

emotional victory that further added to the legend of one of the

sport's most dynamic figures. Peter O'Sullevan remembering Fred

Winter, one of eight people inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Legends who celebrated and Richard Pitman alongside mefplt a lovely

list of people, including -- me, a lovely list of people, including

Carl Llewellyn. They deserve it. Michael rode 16 consecutive years.

That is amazing to think he wasn't broken up. Won it on Oxo and Fred

Winter won it twice as a jockey and his first two years training. If he

had had Francome on one in 1973 he would have had three. It has to be

said, you are one of the very few men who has ridden in it, presented

the Grand National, and ridden again back here at Aintree on the

flat? I loved it. The doctor told me, because I'm a geriatric, so I

had to stay at the back. How were you? I was pretty agricultural.

Fantastic. If I would have had a bet in running I would have backed

Adrian Maguire, he was cantering at the back. Here's a legend. Come in

between us. Michael Scudamore, you won the race on Oxo, the year

before television started to cover it? That's right. You have your

grandson riding on Junior. Tell us the chance? I think he's got a very

good chance. He ran a decent race at Doncaster. I just hope he wins.

What advice do you give him, because you and your son, Peter,

between you rode so many times, I think this is Tom's 13th ride today,

so maybe he doesn't need it. What do you tell him? I think if he

wakes up this morning and God says he's going to win. He will. If God

says he wouldn't, he wouldn't. 16 years consecutive is still a

record. I think so. Were you ever dodgy injury-wise and thought you

would never make it? A couple of times I thought I wouldn't make it.

The hard part was getting there. The only time I relaxed was the

last hurdle in the race before. That's a good point, because Ruby

Walsh had a bad fall early in the day and Barry Geraghty replaced him

on Big Fella Thanks, so the jockeys riding in the first race, which is

over hurdles, all of them and those who have rides, hoping that they

just come home. They are making their way down to the start for

this the first of the live professional races. Here's Jim with

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 43 seconds

It's all about one horse, Simonsig. The bookies went one to two.

Ladbrokes went in. You see them betting at 1- -- 1-2. Solid, John.

Usually this week at Aintree one of the rules to follow is don't back

Festival winners because they don't come here and win, but that's been

overturned. We have had tonnes of Festival winners following up.

Richard, maybe that's why there's so much confidence in Simonsig?

think so, Clare. It's been later this year. It makes such a big

difference. Four weeks? Yeah. Simonsig, fab it's tick in the

Neptune. -- fantastic in the Neptune. The only thing he was

beaten was behind Thingall Bay. Nicky Henderson won this race with

Spirit Son. There is AP. He had a winner in the first yesterday. He

was in these colours. He's riding for Tim Vaughan. I think they've

got a really good chance. He's unboughten in three? Tim Vaughan,

really good trainer. Tim's on 99 winners for the season, so this

would be the 100th. Fantastic to do here. I think he may struggle. This

horse won at Donny with Will Kennedy in the plate. He beat many

there. He has won at Hexham and an Exeter bumper and he will be one

for the frame. We see Super Duty with the grey disc on the back.

Superduty has won all four completed starts. Would have gone

close, but tipped up. Very heavy fall up at Ayr. Really nice staying

chaser in the making according to Donald. That was good at Ascot.

would expect him making the running, Super Duty. Colour Squadron for

Philip Hobbs. He finished 13th behind Cinders And Ashes at

Cheltenham. He also fell behind horses at Newbury, but he was

cantering and he has run well elsewhere. They are going to jog in

and come into the start. Jason Maguire is up at the front. We'll

hand over to Jim. They are coming in for the first race proper.

They're lining up. They're coming in. They're off and running. On the

inside, first away is Super Duty. Goes on for Jason Maguire. Leads by

a couple of lengths, to in second, Go All The Way. Then up in third,

Aland Islands in the white cap, out deeper on the track with Maggio.

They draw to the first of eleven flights and they are all over

safely. Back on the inside, Old Tricks. Simonsig, the odds-on

favourite, the grey in sixth on the outside. Right there in the centre

is Baby Shine and Molotof and at the end, Flycorn. Flycorn just a

little bit sloppy there. On the inside, though, showing the way

down the back, Super Duty. Out in front by a length-and-a-half to in

second, Go All The Way and third on the outside is Maggio, as they

prepare to leave the back. Half a length is Old Tricks on the inside

from Aland Islands held up in the centre. The red cap of Simonsig

around the outside and the diamond jacket as they head up the inside.

Then Baby Shine on the inside. Further back is Flycorn and colour

Squadron, one of the two JP McManus-owned runners at the back.

Coming to the entrance to the home straight and the leader is Super

Duty. Jason rides Ballabriggs, last year's winner later today in the

big one. In second place is Go All The Way. Andrew Lynch will be on

Treacle. In third is Maggio, ridden by James Reveley, who is aboard

Always Right in the National. Simonsig just rapped that hard and

got in too close. Landed over it safely for Barry Geraghty, who

rides Shakalakaboomboom. Further back in the field is Old Tricks on

the inside of Aland Islands and Tony McCoy, wearing the colours

that he'll wear on Synchronised later on. On the inside, superduty

showing the way. Accompanied on the outside by go all the way, as they

clear that way. Back in the field, Old Tricks wasn't too fluent. Got

in a fraction tight. Super Duty on the inside of Go All The Way. Then

Simonsig, who crosses in third. A length further back is Aland

Islands scraping paint for McCoy. Then Maggio, followed by Baby Shine.

Two lengths away is Flycorn as they swing out with a circuit to go. Old

Tricks, who is second-last from Molotof and last is colour Squadron.

The tempo increases. They Ted to the back for the final time. They

are almost back where they skparted. Super Duty shows the way to --

started. Super Duty shows the way to Go All The Way. Simonsig further

back, who is travelling kindly. Back in fourth, on the inside,

alland alloonds. -- Aland Islands. Flycorn back in the field. Molotof

behind them from Old Tricks and colour Squadron now starting to

improve. They head down to the middle one down the back. Seventh

coming up. It's Super Duty on the inside. Comes towards it and gets

over it. They all clear it well. Go All The Way in a challenging

position. Applying more pressure. Simonsig biding his time. Then

Aland Islands niggling on the inside as they come to the eighth.

The leader got over well. The race is about to unfold. They prepare to

leave the back. It's Super Duty and Jason Maguire, two in front of Go

All The Way on the outside. Simonsig has had a perfect run.

Baby Shine and Aland Islands coming under pressure and passed by the

other McManus runner, colour Squadron. Molotof is back and

dropping back is Maggio. Racing to the entrance to the home straight.

Super Duty kicking for home. Simonsig looming large. A length

away is Baby Shine running a great race for Leighton Aspell. They've

kicked away from Go All The Way. Into the home straight now. Three

to jump. On the inside, Super Duty coming to the third last. Gets over

it. The faller there, colour Squadron. He's down. Richard

Johnson on the floor. They race up now with two left to jump. It's

Super Duty on the far side. Simonsig on the near side. Mistake

there by Super Duty. He went right down on his nose. All but sold out

and lost his chance now, as Simonsig starts to draw away for

Geraghty. Comes to the last. Spring heeled at it. Seven in front and

careering away. Simonsig, who was so impressive at Cheltenham and

winning the Neptune, is going to career away with the Mersey Novices

Huddle. He wins it in a canter. Geraghty is on Shakalakaboomboom in

the National later on today. In second, is Super Duty. What a

costly blunder. In third was Baby Shine, followed in fourth by

Flycorn. Then Molotof, followed by Go All The Way and there followed

by Maggio. They are the only Richard Johnson up on his feet and

leading back colour Squadron. They both appear to be OK. AP McCoy and

Old Tricks were pulled up. We'll check the one, two, three. Simonsig,

Barry Geraghty, number nine, Super Duty, Jason Maguire, third, ten,

Baby Shine, Leighton Aspell and fourth, Flycorn, who ran on well

for Paul town end. -- Townend. Barry is here with me now. Great

performance again by Simonsig. Just how good is this horse? He's as

good as he looks. He hosed up there. Done everything so easily. We were

probably going too slow. He missed the second last. I didn't want to

be setting sail too early. Really, he wants a fence. Would you be

advising next season just go straight over fences and no

hurdles? I don't think Nicky will need much advice. He's a real

chaser, but jumps well. He can be a little careless. He'll had more

respect for fences. Sprinter Sacre, Finian's Rainbow and him over

fences, it doesn't get better than that, did it? No, definitely not.

This one would be good over horses and Finian's Rainbow has done what

he's done. It's a great position. Well done. Thank you. Nicky

Henderson is we me now. You have so many good horses and this cob a

Very Special One? He's really good, isn't he? He's always looked it all

year, to be fair. You have to go back - I wasn't happy with him at

Sandown. He was beaten by fing albay and in fairness -- Fingal Bay

and it looked as if we were going all over him. He's a very good

horse, but we put him away and started again and he's been so good

since then. Real class. Very quickly for everybody looking for

the Grand National, Shakalakaboomboom, confident,

hopeful? He's fine. I'm staggered with his price. I think it's the

mystery of the name. You are training him. It's nothing to do

with him. He doesn't go any faster for me. He's a very realistic Grand

National horse, if you know what I mean. He's very straightforward.

He's been around here in the top hall, which wasn't far enough for

him. Ground is great. -- Topham, which wasn't far enough for him.

Ground is great, nice weight. He's a live chance, but he's horribly

short in the prices. He can't help that and neither can you. I'm sure

we'll be talking to you later on. Thank you. There's the best sight

of all. Richard Johnson walking back with Colour Squadron, both

unharmed after the fall. Richard will be on Planet Of Sound in the

Grand National. A hugely impressive win by Simonsig coming down to the

second last. Super Duty was doing his best and I wasn't sure Barry

saw this, but helped by the fact that Super Duty nods on his head.

Fantastic recovery there from Jason Maguire, but Barry was almost

trying hard to hold Simonsig he was so strong. Barry said he wanted to

put him in the bottom. He didn't want to jump it too well and being

in front too long. He's missed it, but hasn't Jase oon -- Jason done

very well. Incredibly balance. The horse's head has knocked him back

in again. Just given him a bit of a hand. It just shows amazing, the

horse to get a leg out so quick. Lovely size of horse. Real machine.

The hardest thing in the race, but he missed a couple because he's

going too well. The first in the straight, but out the back he's up

the heels of the winner. That was the hardest job to hold him there.

So interesting what he said, he'll show more respect when jumping

proper fences and they'll combine with Sprinter Sacre in the next,

who is another hugely exciting You may have heard a huge roar and

that's because a lot of them have half an eye on the FA Cup semi-

final and I understand that Liverpool have equalised. That's

what the big cheer was. Obviously the crowd split. The Liverpool ones

are roaring loudest with that. Huge crowd here and in among them 94-

year-old Sir Peter O'Sullevan, a man who commentated on so many

races for the BBC and enjoying his retirement and still going racing

as often as he can and he drives to Paris to watch the Arc. He'll be

watching this race with real interest. We'll give you the second

section of runners and riders. We are working our way up the weights,

so we now take you from number 29 to number 20. We are going through

them in reverse order, as Clare says. Number 30 is

Becauseicouldntsee. Fell at the second fence in last year's Grand

National. Owner Noel Glyn from Ireland. Number 29 is Tharawaat.

Gordon, the trainer, won the race in his first year as a trainer.

Number 28 Quiscover Fontaine, who stays and jumps well. Fourth in the

Irish National. David Casey, 13th National ride. Then Killyglen from

Northern Ireland. Going well when he fell four out in last year's

National. Robbie qup power rides. - - Power rides. Then Sunnyhillboy.

One of four runners for JP and Ritchie Mclernon in the saddle.

Then Arbor Supreme. 24 is Mon Mome. Running in his fourth Grand

National. Won in 2009 at 100-1. Aiden Coleman. 23 is The Midnight

Club, sixth in Ballabriggs' Grand National last year. Number 22 is

Treacle, who was third in the Irish Hennessy recently. Targeting this

race all year. Andrew Lynch. 21 Organisedconfusion. Can Nina beat

her sister-in-law, Katie Walsh to the honour to become the first

woman to win the Grand National? are here in the jockeys' changing

room and look at the kit back in the day when Richard was finishing

second. He finished second on this saddle. He also finished second on

that slightly bigger one. There's not a lot. It's lather and a bit of

metal. That would float. I wouldn't fancy riding that in the Grand

National. I would be safer. This is a modern one. Same weight, lot more

substance and a lot easier to sit on this one than on that one.

Interesting, the irons have changed. That is some sort of Vulcanite.

carbon fibre. This is the new, modern helmet. Plenty of protection

for your head. This was on the winner in 1960. No chin straps.

Anything like that. Look at that. I don't know that would give you too

much protection. Health and insurance these days would be

difficult. With these, they fly off when you hit a fence and you were

in the air, this would be in front of you. Over to Jamie Moore who

rides in the Grand National. How do you fancy on that saddle, wearing

that hat? I would rather be on the BMX with that hat on at home. It

looks like it could fall apart. The Antiques Roadshow is on tomorrow

night. Put it on there. It's worth a few quid. It is. It's crazy.

Things should move forward and health and safety is paramount. We

did have jockeys in my day with head injuries and I know there are

still a few now. Safety is paramount. They do everything here

to try to make sure. What a great place to be in here. This is it.

Makey feel young? Oh, yes. -- make you feel young? Oh, yes. Seabass is

a forerunner. A lot of people have huge belief in this horse, who is

unbeaten in seven starts since January 2010. The women getting the

lep-up is Katie Walsh -- leg-up is Katie Walsh. Ted is very, very

hopeful that the horse could do the same. We have been to Ireland to

Alongside elite jockey Ruby is Katie, seeking to win today's

National with Seabass. The head of the dynasty father Ted. Ruby's high

profile Because of his success. We're just proud to be his parents.

But I wouldn't call it a dynasty. That's a bit strong. Young Katie

here, come ago long, she's done us proud as well. She's enjoying it.

The main thing is they really love what they're doing. I'm delighted

she's turned out to be such a fine rider. I'm delighted as well that

she love what's she's doing. If you don't love sport, with the amount

of hours, the punishment and disappointment, and can't be upset

when you get beat and delighted when you win, it's no good.

good is he for advice? Brilliant. Sometimes too strong! It's great. I

still pick up the phone and I ring him, even though I know what he's

going to say. The family won the 2,000 National on the Ruby ridden

and Ted trained Papillon. I brought him over on the box. I was 15 at

the time. We went over on the box and I looked after him. I led him

up and everything like that. It was unbelievable. It was unbelievable

experience. I can remember it as clear as day. It was amazing.

Cried? Much. We all cried. COMMENTATOR: Papillon shows the way.

To have Papillon there, Ruby on board, I was hoping he would have a

good ride. For it to fit into place, it was fairy-tale stuff. He rounded

the bend, and I could cry talking about it.

COMMENTATOR: 507 yards left to go and Papillon wins the Grand

National for Ruby Walsh and Ted Walsh. This time it's the father

and daughter combination seeking to triumph with Seabass, winner of his

last seven races. He doesn't pull or haul. He's a lovely ride. He's

got loads of scope. He's everything. I genuinely cannot wait to ride him.

The trip, you wouldn't be sure if he's going to get it. He will

either stay or he won't stay. She can't carry him and I can't make

him stay. Katie wins the chase for her father Ted. Could it happen

again? It would be magic. It's 25 years ago when Charlotte Prue

became the First Lady to ride in the National. I remember National

Velvet and Liz Taylor, her hair tied up so she looked like a boy. I

remember that film well. It's fairy-tale stuff. I'd love to get

round. I'd love to be lucky, just love to have a bit of luck. I think

you need a bit of luck. Some people talk about winning, but to be part

of this great occasion, it's part of history. If you're a racing

person, from the time you're knee high it a grasshopper, English

National, you talk about Becher's Brook or Canal Turn, they're famous

names. You just want to be part of this great occasion. I hope she has

a great experience. And down in the stables, far away from it all is

Seabass, nine years old. He's carrying ten stone 12, that's a

great weight. He is 10-1 great favourite. He will give Katie the

most fabulous ride round here. There she is in the ladies' jockey

room. Nice for them to have some company, you're normally on your

own. We'll talk to them in a moment. We'll explain the connection

between the families. Concentrate. Ted is married to Helen. They have

four children, Jennifer, who is agent to Ruby, Katie, who is riding

in the race and her brother little Ted married to Nina Carberry. Nina

is riding in the race. Her brother also riding called Paul Carberry.

Their father is Tommy. Tommy won the race on L'escargot in 1975

trained by Dan Moore, who trains Organisedconfusion and also is her

uncle. I realise it sounds like Organisedconfusion. Good luck to

both of you and talk to you in a minute. In a meantime we will look

at the fences they will be facing. You heard about Becher's Brook ab

the angle for the canal turn. Mick Fitzgerald did it extremely well.

Let's hear from him. The start of the John Smith's Grand

National, the most crucial part of the race, why should it be? You

have four-and-a-half miles to go, all the lads are here Jockying for

position. It's mayhem, chaos. They'll have one eye on the starter,

just looking for any signal he's going let them go. The first

problem is down there. Jockeys often get caught up in the charge

often get caught up in the charge to the first, which causes fallers.

There's a massive ditch, a huge challenge for the horses. Then at

the top of the straight another major hazard. We've come down to

fence number six, Becher's Brook, probably the most famous fence on

the course, apart from being at a slight angle, it looks a nothing

fence. That is, until you get to the other side. Horses are caught

out by the lower landing platform which causes many to tip up. The

drop is less pronounced on the outside of the track. We're right

down the inside, brave man's route here. The drop is quite dramatic

compared to the outside. They've filled in the Brook over the years

so horses can't roll back in and the turf is levelled to make it

easier, but still a formidable obstacle. Next up is Foinavon.

Clear that fence and the field approaches the Canal Turn on the

racing line that you can see marked out here in green. The reason you

see the field go out to come back in and jump at an angle is, if you

jump it straight, you land here. You're going there. Valentine's,

the first of four five-foot fence that's make up the back stretch.

Here the race begins to settle down a little. Negotiate the big pair of

ditches and there's a huge intake of breath without any jumps, during

which you cross the road and turn back towards the stands. The race

picks up again as the runners head towards another serious obstacle

The Chair. The biggest fence on the course, does size matter? Yes, it

does. The problem is this: I'm here in the ditch, where the horses have

to take off from is out here. That's 11 foot to clear, add in the

height, this is a huge jump. They do it all again on the second

circuit. Before the leaders try to jump the last in the middle of the

fence to get the best position at the Elbow. You need to get on this

running belt. This guides you home, a place in history awaits. Patience

is the key. It's a long run from the last to the line. A lot of them

waiting, because they don't have a ride in earlier races, waiting as

the clock ticks down. We thought we'd give thm a chance to laugh at

themselves by asking pretty stupid questions. The latest is "What's

the worst chat-up line you've ever the worst chat-up line you've ever

heard?" Chat up lines wouldn't be my strong point. Get your coat

you've pulled. I'm not experienced enough. A few I couldn't say.

your coat, you've pulled. Do you come here often? Is your father a

thief, because he must have stolen the stars from the skies and put

them in your eyes. Pass. Do you like jewellery? How do you like

your eggs? I don't remember. Mine's a peach, do you like to taste it.

It's been so long since I've used or heard one I don't know.

deadpan reply there from Ruby Walsh. His sister Katie and her best

friend and sister-in-law Nina Carberry have joined me here. You

must be getting excited about this. Seabass is all the rage. I know,

yeah. Sure, it's great. I'd love to get round. It would be fantastic.

Can't wait to get out there. Nina, a terrific record. I've had a few

nice spins around, hopefully be lucky enough to get around again,

it would be nice. You've got to think Organisedconfusion, the good

thing you know he stays. Exactly. He's a bit on the young side, but I

think he was able for it at six to go that distance, hopefully he's a

year stronger and hopefully we'll get around first and he'll be good

enough at end. It's pretty cold isn't it? Yeah, I'd like your

jacket. I made the right decision. Have the two of you walked the

course today or did you do it earlier in the week? I walk today

on Thursday with Ruby and again today with Ross. Ted and Nina as

well. There's two families come together because of you marrying

Ted, are you staying in the same place? We're all staying in the

Holly inn, my mum and dad have come over just today. They didn't stay.

You've had terrific family experiences with the race as well.

We know about Papillon and you leading him up, but for you, Bobby

Joe was the year. Yeah it was brilliant, amazing, the stuff of

dreams. It's absolutely unbelievable. You can't describe

what it feels like to ride in it, I remember my first year riding, I

nearly was crying coming down, I couldn't believe I was riding him.

It's brilliant. I was saying how much more fun to have Kateing with

you in the changing room. Yeah it was pretty lonely the last few

years. It's great to have Katie there. The two of us have good

rides this year. Will you keep near each other in the race itself?

don't know, I think we'll be looking after ourselves. If we end

up sides, we end up sides. I won't be looking for you and she won't be

looking for me. She's been around three times, maybe I should be

following her. You have to enjoy it. It's so exciting for both of you,

proper chances in the National. That's the big difference. In the

old days, if there were women riders they were riding 100-1 shots.

You have serious chances. Enjoy it, good luck to you. Thank you. Thank

you to Nina Carberry and Katie Walsh. Ruby is involved in the next

race, a small field of just four including the superstar novice

chaser Sprinter Sacre who will be a warm order to win this impressively.

Here's Jim. Certainly will be a warm order.

What a horse he is. What a horse What a horse he is. What a horse

here. Surely no-one's going to back that. 2 -13, you know what that

means you lay on �13 and if it wins, you get �2. I think tutu will be

second. I'm going for Sprinter Sacre. Two to 13, terrible. This is

Sprinter Sacre coming out onto the course. He's only been beaten twice

in his rear. Unbeaten in four starts over fences. He has looked

spectacular. He went for home a long way out in the Arkle at

Cheltenham. It's very hard to see him being beaten here. I'm sure

he's a horse that you love to ride. I love to sit on and reminds me of

Remittance Man. He was on springs. I bet Barry had the same feeling

when he schooled this horse the first time as well. I believe

you've seen this horse school, haven't you? He is just

unbelievable. He is and Nicky Henderson, I've known him for a

long time, even since the Remittance Man days. This horse is

the first since him I've seen him get really excited about. And the

added interest there for Nicky Henderson is that he's about �250

behind Paul Nicholls to be the champion trainer. This race is

worth �56,000 and change to the winner. He is 13-2 on this horse.

If you put on �13, you will get that back and �2 more. Put it into

perspective, Big Bucks won the other day, a horse who broke that

record, standing since the 50s. He was 1-5. This is a shorter price.

This is a novice chase. This horse isn't as big a certainty as he was.

This is the one Gary thinks will finish second or if anything went

wrong to Sprinter Sacre will benefit. He was brought down last

time. Yes he wasn't too fluent that day. He won a Sandown novice in

February. But certainly if anything happened to go wrong with the

favourite he'd be there, you'd think, the one to pick up the

pieces. Paul Nicholls with four winners and four seconds in this

race in the last ten years. Nicky hen dor son won it last year with

Finian's Rainbow who won the Melling Chase yesterday. We have

two greys in the race. The other Australia Day. This horse likes to

whiz along as well. Barry will be pleased to see this horse in the

field with print print. He's just got such a high cruising speed. Can

you see him being led by Gerry, to make sure this horse jumps offment

he's been reluctant in the past. Nice free going sort and jumps well.

Another front runner is Kudu Country, maybe both of them will be

in front. He won in February. He was second to Eradicate. He barely

gets the trip, he wouldn't want an extended two miles. It will suit

him round here. All in all, we're expecting what the bookmakers

predict, an impressive win for Sprinter Sacre. According to the

bookmakers he's almost home and hosed. Two miles round this tight

course. It's a flat course here at Aintree, very, very different from

Cheltenham. It will be interesting to see how he cope was that. Jim

McGrath, just academically an interesting race?

They've still got to jump them. So they come out. We have three

greys here. They're lining up. They're set to go. Off and running

in the John Smith's Maghull novices chase. Australia Day in the lead

from Sprinter Sacre and on the outside Kudu Country. They come to

the first across fence and Australia Day right out to his

right. Very eradic and he almost ran off the course. He almost

missed that rail. So a bit of drama early. Dennis O'reeingan great

horsemanship to get the horse back on the track. He leads by two

lengths. Sprinter Sacre missed that trouble fortunately for those

who've laid the 7-1 on. They come to the second. The leaders jump it

OK. Slight mistake by Kudu Country. Still out to his right this

Australia. Let's see how he handles the first open ditch right out to

his right. He's losing ground every time he comes to it. Toubab wasn't

fluent at all. That was in third, the yellow jacket with the blue

spots. Out the back is Kudu Country. So up the home straight on the

first occasion, Barry Geraghty on the favourite will be all the time

watching, hoping that he can manage to stay on the right side of him.

Let's go to the next one and they get over it safely. Australia Day

still again dramatically veering out to his right. But he still

leads by three paths to Sprinter Sacre, the long odds-on favourite

in second, who's cantoring. He wants to go faster. He's a bit

fierce. Two lengths away, Toubab and Kudu Country at the rear of the

field. It's 51 years since a grey won the Grand National. We've got

four greys in the big one later on today. Three greys in this race. At

the moment, they are liing in first, third and fourth position. Heading

into the back, Australia Day, let's see how he handles this one and

Barry Geraghty sticking on his inside as they clear that rail by

three lengths to Toubab and two away is Kudu Country at the rear.

Geraghty will let him stride on the favourite, I'd say here, as they

head up towards the sixth. He has to let him go. He's racing fiercely,

but he's still doing it quite within himself. He wants to go

faster. They come to this second open ditch. He's very keen,

Sprinter Sacre. He comes towards it and pops over it. Described as a

black aeroplane, one of the most exciting horses Nicky Henderson has

ever had. He's giving us a thrill a min the. He clears the eighth.

Toubab in second, Australia Day third. That effort of veering right

has taken its toll. Kudu Country at the rear of the field. Racing

across the top with four left to jump, Sprinter Sacre, an aerial

view, he's seven lengths in front of Toubab. They come towards the

cross-fence. He wasn't that fluent at it the leader, no damage done at

all. They round the turn now, Toubab still going pretty well in

second. They round the corner now. Sprinter Sacre yet to be asked a

serious question. Strides into the straight with three fence as head

of him. He leads by four lengths to Toubab. He's over it well. He's

away from it quickly. Geraghty is getting the response he wants. He

looks around. He can see Toubab falling a-- four lengths away.

Sprinter Sacre, he leapt that well. A mistake there by Toubab, who

crashed through it. A long gap to Australia Day and Kudu Country. One

left to jump. Sprinter Sacre he's five lengths in front, a long run

before reaching the last. Sprinter Sacre in front with ears pricked.

He draws towards the last for Barry Geraghty. He talks off. He's fluent

over it and home for all money. It's Sprinter Sacre who comes up to

the line, one of the most exciting novice chasers we've seen for many

years, maybe two decades, as he comes up to the line, Sprinter

Sacre wins the Maghull novices chase in great style, as he likes

from Toubab in second, a long gap, Kudu Country in third and Australia

Day, still veering out to his right as he crosses the line.

The winner is number three, Sprinter Sacre, ridden by Barry

Geraghty, trained by Nicky Henderson and in the colours of Mrs

Carolyn Mull. Started at 7-1 on. Second Toubab, Ruby Walsh, third

Kudu Country, James Reveley and fourth Australia Day Dennis O'Regan.

He rides Shakalakaboomboom later on. And he's won in tremendous style

and another valuable winner for and another valuable winner for

Nicky Henderson. You look relieved at the moment. Your horse didn't

have to exert himself, did he? been amazing all season. You're

getting to the stage now where anything but perfection doesn't do,

if you know what I mean? I think, he is spectacular. It's a joy to

watch when it's over. You know, I said to Caroline before, it's been

fun up to now. Now you've just got, it's not fun any more, it's

frightening. You come to expect to see what, thankfully, we have seen

again. He's just, frightening. must be extremely excited about

what next season could hold for him? Yeah, he's growing up all the

time. He can only get, I can't say better, but he can get stronger.

He's getting sensible. His scope and his swagger about him is quite

extraordinary. You've had a procession of top-class horses. Is

there anything you can compare him to, to help us understand what he

was like. I thought Finian's Rainbow was pretty good yesterday.

He was! No, it's just he has this aura about him. We've always said,

he knows he's very, very good looking, I suppose he does. All the

good looking ones do. Just because they're beautiful horses doesn't

always make them the best horses. It doesn't always apply. Here it

really just does. Everything fits everywhere. And he has the

athleticism and the attitude. I think attitude has a lot to do with

it. There don't seem to be any flaws in him. It may be slightly su

perve lus at the moment is he better than Finian's Rainbow?

don't have to think about it now. We have a long summer, like

Simonsig they're special horses so is Finian's Rainbow. They've done

what they have to do here today. We can put them to bed and we've got a

nice long summer to, so they can relax and we can dream. You're back

in front in the championship race again. The next race will tell us a

lot. Could you like last year, a great time to the start of Grand

National day? Yeah, no, well these two have been a bit special. They

are lovely young horses. Well done Nicky. Thanks. You could tell by

the way Nicky was talking about this horse how much he thinks of

him. Mick Barry's biggest challenge was hanging onto him, he was keen

to go faster. Yeah he was. Australia Day dpbtd really happen.

Nicky is desperate for that, get over the last fence. Until you have

jumped them all, anything can happen. Viking Blond running in her

colours in the National. Nicky Henderson back in front in the

trainers championship, �34,000 ahead, the next race in which he

rides Oscar Whiskey is worth rides Oscar Whiskey is worth

�90,000 to the winner. Barry's having a look there, to make sure

he has all the bases covered here, turning into the straight. He's far

from home and hosed at this stage. Toubab is still on his tail. He

didn't want -- doesn't want to tap the breaks too much. He will give

the other horse too much to get into the race. You wonder what will

happen when he really does have to be let down, when Barry has to get

after him and his head has to come down and he's put under pressure?

He won't. He doesn't have to be. He's broke the track record at

Doncaster. Broke the record at Newbury. This is a classy horse. We

haven't seen one take -- seen him off the bridle yet. A very exciting

horse and a proud and pleased Barry Geraghty, having a very good start

to the day. He's won the first two races on Simonsig and Sprinter

Sacre trained by Nicky hen dor son. That's the team with

Shakalakaboomboom in the big one. Great way to start the day,

particularly a day as important as this. Barry Geraghty of course, a

Grand National winning rider. Monty's Pass, not that long ago,

was his winner. There's Sprinter Sacre. I thought today he got away

from his fences particularly well, certainly over the last three.

There was one or two that he wasn't perfect. As Nicky Henderson was

saying, when you see a horse with this potential, with this exciting

persona,if you like, as a novice chaser, you do think to yourself,

you're expecting perfection all the time. He's still learning. He's

still a novice. But he's come a long, long way. If he could just

relax that little bit more in his races, he's going to be so much

better, more effective. What a lovely head. He knows he's done a

great job today. He knows well that he's won it. His trainers now in

front of his rival Paul Nicholls as well. Let's have a look at the

away against. Nb with that for a pound �2.38. Barry you've ridden

tremendous horses in the past, he's gone to weigh in. I will wonder

over here. His weight is 11.4. Spot on. I've given you the all clear.

Many congratulations. Very easy, wasn't it? Yeah, I just said to

Nicky, he's frighteningly good. Every jump was like a bungee jump.

He frightens you when he does it, but you want to do it again. I've

never ridden a horse with so much never ridden a horse with so much

scope. He's unbelievable. Amazing to hear this from you, a man who

has sat on some of the best two mile horses. Is he the best?

can't say. Only time will tell. It's the way he jumps down the back,

from fence to fence, he's, I don't think I've ridden a horse that

jumps and travels the way he does. Hopefully he can be the best.

put you in a great mood. A word about Shakalakaboomboom? Yeah he's

got a good chance. You need a lot of luck. He jumped round here last

year. I'm hopeful of a good run and hopefully might win or be placed.

Show him a video of what Sprinter Sacre just did. Maybe! It would be

good if you could show them videos and give them the experience of the

Grand Nationals gone by. It is under two hours now, in fact in two

hours' time we will know what has won this year's John Smith's Grand

National. This is what's still to come: The only way of finding out

what it's like to ride in the Grand National is talk to those who have.

The jockeys give us the inside track on this unique course.

We continue our Countdown through the field, all the way up to number

one. That's where we find Synchronised, the winner of the

Gold Cup. James May examines exactly what

makes a great race horse, one who can stay four-and-a-half miles and

jump 30 fences. And the one that does it best will

be the one that passes the post in front in the John Smith's Grand

National. The off time is 4.15pm. Last year, that horse was

Ballabriggs, trained by Donald McCain. People afterwards renaming

this place McAintree. Ginger McCain trained Red Rum. He won it three

times. His son Donald won it last year. Ginger was here to witness

that triumph. Sadly, he died in September last year. Now Ginger was

a character, a joker, a man who liked to make headlines. He

wouldn't want a morbid tribute piece. He would want his best lines

to be remembered. I say nowadays, this lot, being old

and rather long in the tooth, I can say this, you go in the weighing

room now, it's like a bloody poof's paradise. They're all on their

telefons and powdering their noses and bums and one thing and another.

Of course he was my friend. It was the choice between him and my wife,

COMMENTATOR: 200 yards now and Red Rum closing on him. Crisp is

getting very tired. Red Rum is coming after him. Red Rum is

finishing the strong of the. He's going to get up. Red Rum is going

to win the National. And at the line Red Rum has nudged it. People

said he's a one horse train er. I would agree. What a bloody good job

I made of that one horse. COMMENTATOR: Red Rum getting the

acknowledgement of the crowd. The winner of the National. I'm worried

to ask Ginger what it means to win the National. It meant a huge

amount. It did. Mick exaggerates. Sex didn't come into the hunt at

all. There's no question of that. I'm an expert on both matters.

COMMENTATOR: He's coming up to the line to win it in style. Hats off

and a tremendous welcome for him. Red Rum wins the National. May I

congratulate you, what do you think now? It's bloody marvellous, super,

really the horse's part and Tommy peace part. Never in doubt. Coming

across the road, yes it were going to be a nice fourth. Then jumped

the second rbgts we might have a chance of third. Then about 100

yards, I thought me, we're going to win it.

COMMENTATOR: Down the outside, am Beryl house wins the National.

you afraid ever? You sudden about the pressures, there are no

pressures. That's a load of (BLEEP). We're sportsmen.

COMMENTATOR: It's the McCain family with another National. You've got

to give some credit to Donald. Go on. If I ever meet his father,

I'm going to congratulate him and ask him where the brains came from.

We've had enough of this, let's go Ginger sadly not here in person,

but this bust was unveiled on Thursday to the approval of his

widow, Beryl and also Donald and the whole family and Ginger McCain

now here, looking down on the winners enclosure and it was

extraordinary, on Thursday, the very first winner over the fences

was Cloudy Lane, trained by Donald. It would be a fairy tail about

Ballabriggs became the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back.

That doesn't happen in real life. It does in the Grand National.

Fairy tails do come through. -- Fairy Tales do come true. One of

the best was in 1981. So to the story of Bob Champion's remarkable

recovery from cancer. The lure of the entry provided the platform for

one of the greatest sporting comebacks of all time. Aldaniti

himself mirrored Bob's recovery, coming back from a career-

threatening injury for a victory that would have seemed impossible

just one year earlier. You simply couldn't have written it.

COMMENTATOR: It's Aldaniti who wins it at the line. The whole nation

was captivated by such a heart- warming story. But beneath such

gripping emotion, the influence of trainer Josh Gifford must never be

forgotten. Josh had stood by Bob throughout his illness and provided

him with the hope of fulfilling a dream that was to prove a perfect

reality. Pure Hollywood. Marvellous, Bob. Sir Peter is here in person,

watching everything closely through his binoculars. 94 years old and

still hugely enthusiastic about the sport. Bob Champion is also here.

Terrific memories from 1981, but so sad as well as Ginger McCain, we

lost Josh in February? Yes. A great man. He stood by me through all my

careers. If I got beat on one, he still stood by me. Absolutely great

trainer. Great jockeys before and after myself and we all loved

riding for him. Bob, that story of you and Aldaniti was tushed into a

film. When did you know -- turned into a film. When did you know they

would do that? Just after the National Walt Disney got in touch

with the publishers and I'm pretty grateful that he didn't do it,

because I didn't want to be played by a puppet really. It was a very

good film. Yes. John Hurt, what an actor and Jen Jan Francis and Ben

Johnson and Alison Steadman. Look at them in that. You are still

coming back here year after year. It is special? Of course it is.

When you get off the M62 you get flutters and I still do now. You

know, what a job John Smith's have done to bring it to three days

great racing and let's be honest, without the National it's still

great, then the Grand National is the icing on the cake. Great to see

you in the Aldaniti colours, in which Richard was competing. Going

ago back to Ginger McCain and your memories of him and the sort of man

that he was and trainer, because sometimes underrated. Very. He was

so different from Josh Gifford. Josh was very emotional and Ginger

was heart on his sleeve. You've been on the end of his tongue,

haven't you? Yes. He didn't approve of women doing anything

particularly, so eventually one day he said to me, "You know, I don't

really like you doing all this, but you are all right, you are." That's

a real compliment. He was great before he was great, if you see

what I mean. He used to throw party the night before I used to ride for

him. He would give parties and the whole house would be empty and the

stables and old Red Rum listening to the music. The access that we,

the press, had to him was unprecedented at the time.

Absolutely. The most wonderful shots of Red Rum on the beach and

all of that, because Ginger understood you have to keep things

in the public eye and high-profile. He sold this race better than

anyone and the race he may not approve of the changes to, because

he liked it and better in his day, but it is still an amazing test, a

test for horses and jockeys and the jockeys are the ones who are going

to tell us how to ride it. At the start, you are waiting. Each jockey

has a place. Get out and find a position. Get the room. It's a

cavalry charge. The first six are the big test. Survival of the

fittest. The third fence on the track, it's huge. Early on, it's a

real test. It can scare horses, that's why you see a lot of fallers

at the fourth. The end of the line of the fences is Becher's Brook.

It's eleven hp foot drop. You find yourself -- it's eleven-foot drop.

You find yourself going over that. Fantastic. Grand Nationals can be

won and lost at the Canal Turn. to keep right. Cut the corner off.

You get to The Chair and it's a lot more often. It's a not a fence you

look for a long stride. It can unnerve a horse. You have to be

aware of what is going on around you and in front of you. Down to

the first fence, the tempo relaxes. Find your rhythm. It's a real great

camaraderie. You might get a bit of crack. There's a bit of crack going

on between us all. When you jump Foinavon you are really thinking

you could be in business here. Still five or six from home. You

try to save as much energy as you can. Across the Melling Road it

turns into a stamina contest. the way through you are conscious

of where the winning line is. don't want to go for home. Huge

crowd in front. You can hear the buzz from the stands. The winning

mentality kicks in then. You can't go out there with a plan. You've

got to be prepared for the unexpected. Plenty of luck. You can

really enjoy it. Get over the last and you're buzzing for months after.

Enjoy every moment. It was a childhood dream come true for me.

You have heard Richard and I speaking earlier on about the

safety measures that are in evidence here, ahead of the Grand

National. We saw the changes out on the course. Here just off the

course there's the new washdown area, one of the new changes to the

course. It's an area where Chris Proudman and his team, the vet

adviser here, you are helping to look after the horses post-race

where you can help recovery time? That's right. After the review

after last year's race highlighted the post-race procedures and

particularly looking after horses that might be in danger of

overheating. It was an area to look at. One of the issues was that

people didn't understand exactly what we were doing when we were

putting water on to horses. It's a highly effective way of preventing

horses from getting heed-related injuries. The other problem we had,

was there was a great mele of photographers who wanted to get

close and pictures of the horses, particularly the winning horse and

jockey. What they didn't realise was that when horses do get

overheated they go wobbly and can fall, so it was a dangerous

situation. The new facility that you see here, this allows us the

time and space to treat the horses as necessary, to get water on to

them, to cool them down and it provides a restricted area, so the

press photographers and other connections of the horse are not in

danger from the horses. Very busy day, but not only are you doing

things post-race, but earlier inspecting horses as part of the

new procedure, all the horses taking part will be checked over by

the vets here too? That's correct. The British Horseracing Authority,

the regulatory body, they check every single horse that runs in a

race over the Grand National fences so that involves palpating the

horse's leg and feeling for signs of injury, that might put the horse

at increased risk of suffering in the race. They then trot the horse

up and down to look at how the horse is moving. If the horse is

carrying an injury then the way the horse moves will not quite be

symmetrical and the vets can pick that up and maybe identify that as

a horse that is not safe to run in the race. Chris, thank you very

much for your time. Chris Proudman and his team doing a great job.

Lots of good safety measures in place for the horses competing in

today's race. Now, it's time to look at horses 20-11 in the big

race. Number 20, Rare Bob, one of four runners in the race for Irish

trainer Dessie Hughes. Brian Cooper, 19, having his first ride on this

33-1 chance. 19, Cappa Bleu. Is he the best chance of becoming the

first Welsh-trained winner in 107 years? Number 18, Always Right.

Ridden by James Reveley. Connections hoping a breathing op

will do the trick here. 17, On His Own, ridden by Ruby Walsh. Got the

best Grand National record. He's won the race twice. Number 16,

According To Pete. He's won some big races at weather by and Haydock.

15 is West End Rocker, fancied to put up a good performance today for

Wayne Hutchinson. Fourth ride. 14 is Shakalakaboomboom. The talking

horse here today. Barry Geraghty having his 13th National ride. 3 is

Seabass, backed off the boards. -- 13 is Seabass, backed off the

boards. Katie Walsh on board. 12, Tatenen. In the colours of the

Stewart family. Ridden by Andrew Thornton, the oldest jockey in the

race. 11 is Chicago Grey. Paul Carberry. He's bidding to be the

first grey since Nicholas Silver. Down in the jockeys' room a few

taking time out, keeping chilled. Katie Walsh has gone in there.

There's Slippers Madden who won a few years ago. A lot of people

signing autographs, because people want to Takeaway a commemorative

race card and get as many names on this there as they can. Nina with

the back protector on. Getting ready good and early. Soon it will

be time. You wonder when you look at that section of runners and

riders, Mick, Seabass and Shakalakaboomboom, now you worked

for Nicky henered son for how many years? 15. He's not had a great

record in the Grand National. First runner was placed. 31 runners in it

hasn't yet won it. Do you think this could be the year? The one

thing that strikes me about this he is brilliant and I mean brilliant.

There is nobody better at placing a horse to win a big race on the big

day. Getting them in the peak performance. He has done this with

this horse. This horse when he ran at Donny, was second. Nicky said

after to Barry, don't worry I haven't started training him yet.

lot of people backing him because of the name. Shakalakaboomboom.

It's a great name. But you think he's actually got the things that

you need, stamina and jumping ability to win? He's been around

here. Ran at the Topham last year, so got around and got that little

experience. Year older and stronger. Nicky is training him for it.

Nicky's having a good afternoon. Won the first two races and saddles

Oscar Whisky going for back-to-back wins in the Aintree Hurdle. Big

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 43 seconds

opposition here. Jim can tell us Wembley and what is the quickest

way and now you are going to take the bad news. I know the way to me

couch. Liverpool two. It had to be Andy car rolling. Will you watch it

toe -- -- Andy Carroll. Will you watch it tonight?! Liverpool won

there. Zarkandar, Ruby Walsh, he has chosen to ride Zarkandar rather

than Rock On Ruby. Over to Paul. Paul, Ruby is riding Zarkandar,

whose decision is that? A team decision really. Obviously, Noel

did nothing wrong in the Champion Hurdle. Ruby won the betfred on him

at Newbury and won on him leer last year. If you change, too much, then

if Ruby had ridden Rock On Ruby then someone else on Zarkandar and

you wouldn't be able to split them. You wouldn't be able to split them.

Rock On Ruby looks outstanding. There is improvement physically to

come from Zarkandar. How is Rock On Ruby coming out of the victory?

Looks absolutely stunning. Done a great job with him. He looks good.

That's a good sign when you've been to Cheltenham. Zarkandar a step up

in trip? It will suit him. Stayed on strongly up the hill. It doesn't

necessarily mean they want two-and- a-half. He's only a five-year-old.

Should suit him. We'll know a lot more in a moment. Neptune Collonges,

everything well? Looking forward to running him. Good luck with that

and these two. Thank you. The two most successful trainers in the

country, Paul and Nicky have never won the Grand National. Huge crowd

here. Now the football is over all focusing completely on the racing

and they'll try to decide what can win this race. Could it be Oscar

Whisky who won it last year? Such a talented horse. Still is. You can

see that Barry had to get fairly serious with him to hold off

Thousand Stars. Oscar Whisky had to pull it all out. Thousand Stars in

the field again? We are just watching the Champion Hurdle here.

You can see Rock On Ruby in the hands of Noel Fehily. Great day for

Noel. The owners and Paul have stayed loyal to him and let him

keep the ride. Noel will be delighted with that. Overturn, a

great yard stick and a lot of people were saying it's a Phluke,

but Oscar Whisky was disappointed in the World Hurdle and took on Big

Buck's and travelled too well in the race. He was a little too keen,

expanded -- expended too much energy. You would think he would be

hugely relieved to go back in trip. Rock On Ruby and Zarkandar are

stepping up, having run in the two- mile Champion Hurdle to going half

a mile further, but the course is flatter and it is less demanding.

Rock On Ruby is technically trained by Paul Nicholls, but Harry Fry

looks after him and does all the fitness how many miles away from

the main yard? I wouldn't know, but it's not that far, but far enough

that Paul was very keen to point out that they were amajor part in

this horse's success at the Festival. What a beautiful-looking

horse. I said to Harry Fry, will he go straight chasing next year and

he said, "Well, might bring him back to defend." The last one to

win this in the same season was Istabrack. He's a fine figure of a

horse. Got huge depth to him. You can see right down through his

chest and his girth. I love to see him jum fences, because he's the

chasing type. Looking -- jumping fences, because he's the chasing

type. Looking down there at them. Zarkandar explaining he thinks this

is the horse that has the most improvement. He flew up the hill at

Cheltenham. He's a horse who will be definitely oh suited by the step

up in distance. He's five years old, so the baby. We'll see if he can

come become. Thousand Stars on whom Katie Walsh has been so successful.

Also Ruby but Paul getting the ride. Paul is a champion jockey in

Ireland. Second jockey behind Ruby and on days when Ruby rides for

Paul Nicholls he comes in for a very good ride here. The Irish have

a pretty good record in this race. They've won it every year between

2005 and 09. All of those five wins coming from Al Ella. He used to

farm this race. Third Intention. Nice horse. Definitely good over

fences too. Solid type. The faster they go, the ber -- the better this

will suit. Just look at the market now. Tactically, what do you think?

I think that could be the problem here, what will make the run. Watch

the way the two are out. They are leading the pack. The rest are

happy to get a lead from Noel and Ruby. They'll set the pace and it

will be slow. You can tell now they are not going to set off very fast.

It will be very, very different later on in our big one. That's for

sure. We won't see them ambling to the tapes in the Grand National.

They're off and running. Can Oscar Whisky win it in consecutive years?

Stepping off in the lead, that's Rock On Ruby, leading by four

lengths as they draw to the first of eleven. He pops over it in

nickical style. Then in second Zarkandar and going second on the

inside is Oscar Whisky. Just taking a bit of a hold early. They come to

the second. In behind them the grey, Thousand Stars and Third Intention

is last of the quintet. Thousand Stars not fluent. Rapped it pretty

hard, but no damage done as they continue their trip down to the far

corner of the course and turning left and racing back to home. It's

rock on Robin Cooky who shows the way for Noel Fehily -- Rock On Ruby,

who shows the way to Noel Fehily. This magnificent racetrack here at

Liverpool, here at Aintree, and on the inside, it's Rock On Ruby

showing the way, and Oscar Whisky tucked in and Thousand Stars on the

outside and Zarkandar and two away is Third Intention. They swing into

the home straight. Noel Fehily, who rides State Of Play in the National,

bidding to make all the running here on Rock On Ruby. Leads by a

length-and-a-half to Barry Geraghty on Shakalakaboomboom in the big one.

He's on Oscar Whisky as they head over the next one. On the inside is

the grey, Thousand Stars, ridden by Paul Townend, who will be aboard

The Midnight Club and Zarkandar, ridden by Ruby Walsh, who is aboard

On His Own and two lengths away is Third Intention. Joe Tizzard there.

Heading up the home straight towards flight number five. Rock On

Ruby shows the way to Oscar Whisky. Thousand Stars getting a fraction

closer. Followed by Zarkandar, who is well and truly in touch and the

tempo has not been strong at all in the first circuit. Last of the five

runners is Third Intention. Rock On Ruby the leader, as they go to the

judge, and there's been no change in the order of the outset. -- from

the outset. Rock On Ruby and Thousand Stars travelling on the

inside. Half a length away is Zarkandar and one length further

back is Third Intention. Five lengths covers the field as they

draw towards the back once again. Back where they started. Rock On

Ruby still the leader by half a length to in second place, Oscar

Whisky. Thousand Stars and then Zarkandar and three parts away is

Third Intention. They head towards the sixth. The first one down the

back. A row of three. Coming towards them. The faller there is

Zarkandar. Zarkandar has gone. Zarkandar a heavy fall at the rear.

Horse up on his feet OK. Ruby Walsh sitting up. But it was a heavy fall.

They head to the next now. This is flight number seven. Rock On Ruby

shows the way from Oscar Whisky. Then Thousand Stars and further

back Third Intention. Just looking back to see how Ruby is. He's still

on the ground. They come to four out. It's Rock On Ruby, who steps

over it in the lead. The ambulance attendants are over with Ruby Walsh,

who took a very heavy fall there at the first one down the back. They

head towards the back now. They leave the back now and head across

the top of the track. It's Rock On Ruby showing the way, from, in

second place, Oscar Whisky. Then Thousand Stars. Half a length

further back is Third Intention. They continue their journey now

towards the entrance to the home straight. Rock On Ruby, Noel Fehily,

this champion hurdler bidding to make every yard. Then Oscar Whisky

and then Thousand Stars and a gap in the field to Third Intention.

Into the home straight. Three left to jump. Rock On Ruby he comes to

three out and steps over in the lead, from in second, Oscar Whisky.

Ruby Walsh is on his feet. Then Thousand Stars. They've got two

left to jump now. Rock On Ruby, lands over. Oscar Whisky coming at

him hard. Now the grey, Thousand Stars, is now switched up and

coming at the pair of them. They've got one left to jump. They draw to

the last. Three in line. Oscar Whisky touches down in the lead,

from Rock On Ruby. Thousand Stars now called on for an effort. The

same at least year, maybe. Oscar Whisky in front. Thousand Stars

down the outside. Oscar Whisky is clinging to this lead. 50 yards

left to go. Oscar wis I can fighting hard. It's a replica of

last year. -- whiskey fighting hard. last year. -- whiskey fighting hard.

It's a replica of last year. Oscar Whisky has travelled home from

Thousand Stars, the first one, two, two horses home at last year. Good