What's the appeal of the Grand National?

There's another good reason why the National captures our imaginations more than any other race - and that's because it goes hand in hand with the buzz of having a bet.

At some point in the race's history, since the first running in 1839, it became an event we couldn't let pass without having a flutter. That has given us an added interest in and attachment to the race.

Nowadays, with 10m people watching in Britain and at least 400m worldwide, the National is the most gambled-on horse race on the planet. Despite the credit crunch, UK bookmakers are estimating turnover approaching £300m on Saturday.

Some of you may have already picked your horse for the Aintree showpiece, others may be relying on the luck of the draw in the office sweepstake, while one or two shrewdies will wait until the last possible moment before deciding where their investment goes.

I have to confess that this is a race I have not enjoyed enormous success in as a punter. I can just about recall my last moment of selfish excitement. It came in 1997 when Lord Gyllene took the rescheduled race on a Monday after the original running was postponed because of a bomb scare. I pocketed £70 in the process.

But as anyone who likes to bet will tell you, there is always a belief that the corner is about to be turned. I certainly reckon this is the year I will make a return to the winner's enclosure. More of that later.

As the Grand National approaches, my job with the BBC gives me the chance to see some of the competitors at close quarters.

Normally, this means seeing a horse and rider, under the instructions of their trainer, being put through their final paces on the gallops, but this year has been very very different.

About a week ago, I interviewed Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee at his home in Middlesborough. Graham missed last year's race after his jaw was smashed to pieces in a horrible fall, but he's back and fingers crossed will be riding Kilbeggan Blade on Saturday.

I've also visited the connections of My Will, the race's current favourite. But it wasn't his jockey, Ruby Walsh, who has the best record in the race, nor his champion trainer, Paul Nicholls, who has a forgettable record in the race.

Instead, I spoke to the horse's owners, the Stewart family, made up of dad Andy, mum Judy and brothers Paul and Mark.

Last December, Paul had a snowboarding accident that left him paralysed from the waist down. Since then, he's demonstrated remarkable fortitude, and it will be worth watching Saturday's coverage on the BBC just to witness the inspirational way he has responded to the challenge of being in a wheelchair, the possibility of never walking again, and how racing has helped him find the strength to keep moving forward.

I certainly hope My Will wins the world's greatest race on Saturday. I think he's the best horse at the weights after his excellent prep run in the Gold Cup, and I'll be placing my Grand National stakes on him and Ruby.

In the meantime, I'd love to know what you find fascinating about the Grand National, what your favourite race is, and who you think might win this year.