Press Releases

With comprehensive live coverage on BBC One and BBC Two, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC online, viewers can catch every moment of the 2009 Grand National wherever they are.

And, in a first for the Grand National, the Arri-Motion camera will be used at the Chair fence to capture all the drama at one of Aintree's most daunting obstacles, with amazing slow-motion images.

The BBC's coverage of the 162nd running of the world's most famous steeplechase will be presented by Clare Balding with Rishi Persad.

Clare and Rishi are joined by Richard Pitman, Richard Dunwoody and Norman Williamson reporting and providing analysis from the paddock. Dan Walker will be on hand to bring the colour and the characters of Aintree to the screen.

Former Grand National winner Mick Fitzgerald is a new member of the TV team this year. Mick retired from competitive racing following last year's race and his expertise and knowledge will bring viewers a unique insight into one of the most exciting races of the season.

Fans' favourite and Aintree regular John Parrott will be teaming up with popular tipster and new team member Gary Wiltshire. They will be in the betting ring bringing all the latest news over the three days.

The BBC's expert commentary team is led by Jim McGrath, who is joined by Ian Bartlett, Tony O'Hehir and Darren Owen for the big race.

Live BBC TV coverage from Aintree includes five races each day today (Thursday 2 April) and tomorrow (Friday 3 April) on BBC Two. Coverage on both days begins at 1.45pm.

Saturday's Grand National programme (4 April) begins at 1.00pm on BBC One.

The BBC's 53-camera operation will include 12 radio cameras, three in-fence cameras and three super-slow cameras.

The Vortex camera, used for the first time last year, will also be in operation. The Vortex can operate from ground level to 100ft and provides an amazing spectacle as the Grand National field go past the packed grandstands.

In addition to the cameras on the ground, there will also be a helicopter camera providing a unique bird's-eye view of the drama of the Grand National, which will enable viewers to see how the action unfolds at every fence.

The BBC's countdown to the world's most famous steeplechase begins tomorrow (Friday) at 7.00pm on BBC Two with the Grand National Preview. The programme will be shown again as a rolling repeat on BBC Red Button from 7.30pm.

On Radio 5 Live there will be coverage of the Grand National meet today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday) during Fiona Phillips' programme (standing in for Simon Mayo), 1.00-4.00pm.

Mark Pougatch presents a special programme from the Cavern Pub in Liverpool city centre on 5 Live Sport tomorrow (Friday) from 7.00 to 10.00pm, featuring special guests AP McCoy, Tom Scudamore and Mick Fitzgerald and a live local audience to preview the Grand National.

Saturday sees Mark Pougatch present 5 Live Sport live from Aintree, 12noon-7.20pm.

There's full coverage of the final day of the Grand National meet, as well as all the build-up and full commentary of the big race at 4.15pm with Cornelius Lysaght, John Hunt and former Gold Cup and Grand National winner Mick Fitzgerald.

Visitors to bbc.co.uk/racing can watch all the BBC TV coverage as a live simulcast, with UK residents being able to watch the race again as many times as they like on the BBC iPlayer.

The site provides everything race fans need to know about the big event including coverage times, results, photo galleries and a guide to the National runners and riders and the popular online office sweepstake kit.

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