Grand National televised

Image: BBC camera at Beechers Brook March 1960.

The first Grand National to be televised was run on 26 March 1960. The race - which was won by favourite Merryman II, ridden by Gerry Scott - was broadcast live from Aintree as part of Grandstand. At the end presenter David Coleman assured viewers that they had witnessed a piece of television history.

To capture every inch of the four mile 856 yard steeplechase the BBC deployed 16 cameras, including Television's Roving Eye. This outside broadcast van, with a camera mounted on the roof, was able to drive alongside the runners and riders for over half of the course. Thus viewers at home got a far better view of the race than any spectator at the racecourse. Commentary was provided by Peter O'Sullevan and Peter Bromley.

BBC Outside Broadcast 'roving eye' vehicle getting ready to shoot the 1960 Grand National. The cameraman and camera are fixed to the roof of the van. — BBC Outside Broadcast 'roving eye' vehicle getting ready to shoot the 1960 Grand National.

Today the Grand National continues to be one of the few sporting events judged to be of national importance, and so preserved by the government on free-to-air television. In addition to the domestic audience of 10 million, it is watched by an estimated worldwide audience of 500 million.

BBC Sport celebrates The Grand National 1960-2012.