Press Releases

Former Gold Cup and Grand National winning jockey Mick Fitzgerald joins the BBC Radio 5 Live commentary team for the 2009 Cheltenham Festival (10-13 March) and Aintree Grand National (2-4 April).

Radio 5 Live has extensive coverage of two of the highlights of the National Hunt season with all the build-up and news ahead the big races, plus the inside track from Mick Fitzgerald, Peter Scudamore, AP McCoy, Andrew Thornton and Cornelius Lysaght.

Mick Fitzgerald said: "I'm looking forward to working on 5 Live for the Cheltenham Festival. It's the pinnacle of the Jumps season, and I hope to be able to convey my own enthusiasm and excitement for it over the airwaves. I'm no longer able to ride but broadcasting live will be the next most exhilarating way to be involved."

John Inverdale hosts daily live coverage from Cheltenham from Tuesday 10 March, 1.00-4.00pm, with Mick Fitzgerald, multiple champion jockey Peter Scudamore, 5 Live racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght and Clare Balding providing an indispensible guide to the festival.

Comedian Kevin Day will be out and about amongst the crowds, getting their reaction and giving his own insight on the proceedings.

John Hunt and Luke Harvey will provide commentary for all the big races, including the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup.

On the eve of the festival, Monday 9 March, Mark Saggers presents 5 Live Sport (7.00-10.00pm) from Cheltenham Town football club for a football and racing discussion in front of a live audience with special guests Mick Fitzgerald, Andrew Thornton, Cornelius Lysaght, John Motson and Steve Claridge.

5 Live Sport will also review each day's action every night of the festival from 7.00pm.

Radio 5 Live's Grand National coverage starts with live race coverage in the Simon Mayo programme on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 April.

Mark Pougatch presents a special 5 Live Sport from the Cavern Pub in Liverpool city centre on Friday 3 April from 7.00pm and is joined by special guests AP McCoy, Tom Scudamore and Mick Fitzgerald and a live local audience to preview the big race.

On Saturday 4 April, Mark Pougatch presents 5 Live Sport from Aintree from 12noon, with all the build-up to the big race at 4.15pm. Commentary on the day will be provided by John Hunt, Luke Harvey, Malcolm Tomlinson, Matthew Hill and Gary O'Brien.

You can listen to 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra via DAB digital radio, digital TV and online at bbc.co.uk/5live.

Notes to Editors

Programme details:

Cheltenham Festival

Monday 9 March
7.00-10.00pm 5 Live Sport preview programme

Tuesday 10 March
1.00-4.00pm live from Cheltenham
7.00-10.00pm 5 Live Sport reviews all the day's action

Wednesday 11 March
1.00-4.00pm live from Cheltenham
7.00-10.00pm 5 Live Sport reviews all the day's action

Thursday 12 March
1.00-4.00pm live from Cheltenham
7.00-10.00pm 5 Live Sport reviews all the day's action

Friday 13 March
1.00-4.00pm live from Cheltenham
7.00-10.00pm 5 Live Sport reviews all the day's action

Grand National

Thursday 2 April
1.00-4.00pm Race commentary in Simon Mayo programme

Friday 3 April
1.00-4.00pm Race commentary in Simon Mayo programme
7.00-10.00pm 5 Live Sport previewing the big race

Saturday 4 April
5 Live Sport with all the build up and the big race from 12noon.

DL