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Last Updated: Monday, 29 March, 2004, 17:10 GMT 18:10 UK
The BBC at Aintree
Barry Geraghty rides Monty's Pass to glory in the 2003 Grand National
BBC Sport at Aintree
TV, Radio and Online

Follow the 2004 Martell Cognac Grand National meeting every step of the way on TV, radio, online and Ceefax.

Racing's big meeting runs from Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 April.

From the event countdown to live coverage and expert analysis, the BBC will be there every step of the way.

You can get in touch with the TV team via the link on your right, or by texting us on 81111.

(All programme times are BST and subject to late changes)

TELEVISION

Clare Balding and Sue Barker lead coverage of the big meeting, which culminates in the 157th running of the world's most famous steeplechase.

With 52 cameras dotted around the course, this year's production will be the biggest ever.

As well as cameras mounted on four fences, three jockeys will be fitted with cameras in their riding helmets.

THURSDAY 1 APRIL
1400 MARTELL HANDICAP HURDLE
1435 MARTELL COGNAC CUP CHASE*
1510 MARTELL COGNAC
4-Y-O HURDLE*
1545 MARTELL FOXHUNTERS' CHASE*
1620 MARTELL RED RUM CHASE*
1650 Martell Mersey Novices' Hurdle
1520 Martell Novices' Handicap Chase
Races in CAPITALS on BBC TV. Races with asterisks* - Five Live

A total of 14 races will be shown live over three days, with digital viewers enjoying full interactive coverage.

By pressing the red button on your remote control, viewers can choose from one of three options:

  • Network coverage - Full coverage of Aintree from BBC TV.

  • In-depth analysis - Extra insight into the racecards, using information from the BBC Forecaster database, with Angus Loughran.

  • Archive - Rolling video highlights of 10 great Grand Nationals.

    The service is available to digital satellite and digital terrestrial (Freeview) viewers.

    Joining Sue and Clare will be the BBC's chief race commentator Jim McGrath, who can call on the expertise of Ian Bartlett, Darren Owen and Tony O'Hehir for the big race.

    Former jockeys Richard Pitman, Peter Scudamore and Norman Williamson provide expert analysis, with betting expert Loughran keeping a check on all the market moves.

    And the reporting team of Jonathan Powell, Rishi Persad and Lydia Hislop will follow the major stories around the course.

    On Grand Natonal day, there is an hour of coverage on BBC Two from 1300, before switching to BBC One (1400-1645).

    The night before, there is a special Grand National 'A Question of Sport' (1900-1930, BBC One), hosted by Sue Barker.

    And for a preview of the big race, check out the Night Before the National from 1930 to 2000 on BBC Two on Friday night.

    Meanwhile, a regional prespective is offered through the North West Tonight TV programme, following the excitement building up to the race and offering a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for the big day.

    RADIO

    Commentary on 12 races at the three-day meeting will be provided by BBC Five Live.

    FRIDAY 2 APRIL
    1400 MARTELL VS HANDICAP CHASE
    1435 MARTELL TOP NOVICES' HURDLE*
    1510 MARTELL COGNAC MELLING CHASE*
    1545 MARTELL TOPHAM CHASE*
    1620 MARTELL SEFTON NOVICES' HURDLE*
    1650 Martell Mildmay Novices' Chase
    1725 Martell Noblige Handicap Hurdle

    The coverage gets under orders with morning racing bulletins provided by Luke Harvey during the Breakfast programme at 0655 and 0755.

    There will be live commentaries in the afternoon of all three days of the meeting while on the big day itself, Brian Alexander presents the Breakast programme from Aintree.

    And anchorman Mark Pougatch oversees a Sport on Five programme where the team includes racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght.

    You can find out where your money went at 1740 with a full round-up of what happened to all 40 runners.

    The Five Live commentary team is headed by John Hunt with Dougie Fraser, Peadar Flanagan and Aussie newcomer Matt Hill also playing their part.

    Throughout the meeting, BBC Radio Merseyside (95.8FM) will be on hand with news and information.

    On Thursday, from 1400-1700, Norman Thomas broadcasts live from the course. And on Saturday for the big race, Billy Butler's morning show is live from Aintree from 0930, with Alan Jackson presenting the afternoon action.

    ONLINE

    In-depth coverage of the world's biggest jump race is available at www.bbc.co.uk/racing.

    SATURDAY 3 APRIL
    1345 CORDON BLEU HANDICAP HURDLE
    1420 MARTELL MAGHULL NOVICES' CHASE*
    1455 MARTELL COGNAC AINTREE HURDLE*
    1545 MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL*
    1635 Martell Reserve Novices' Hunter Chase
    1715 Martell Champion NH Flat Race

    Everything you need to know about the big event is there, from coverage times and the runners and riders to a special guide for racegoers and detailed profiles of jockeys and trainers.

    As the big day approaches, you can use the popular online office sweepstake kit.

    BBC pundits give their views., and our very own Honest Frank reveals the fascinating art of the Tic-Tac men. You can also enjoy his photo Casebook and racecard guide.

    Once the meeting gets under way, you can watch all the BBC TV coverage right here on the BBC Sport website.

    UK home users with a broadband connection will be able to watch via our broadband console.

    We will also be following all the action with up-to-the-minute live race reports, results and photo galleries.

    On the BBC Liverpool website at www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool, there is a 360-degree virtual tour of Aintree and trip around the course, plus latest travel news.

    CEEFAX

    All the latest news, results and declarations can be found on Ceefax Page 660.

    The dedicated racing pages will have previews and reviews of all the action, together with updates on the going and the predictions of newspaper tipsters.

    Declarations for all the following day's racing will be available, plus latest betting updates.




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