NO jockey is better qualified to talk about riding the John Smith's Grand National course than Ruby Walsh. This is his guide to tackling the sport's most demanding test.
Lee Mottershead on a perfect day for the sport as the champion fulfils a burning ambition
Lee Mottershead discovers the city of Liverpool full of pride before the start of the Grand National meeting
Lee Mottershead hears how the jockey who could have ridden Mon Mome last year broke down in the middle of the track as his friend went clear after the last in the Grand National
As sporting sights go, few can match the sheer excitement of 40 horses thundering towards the first fence at Aintree for the John Smith's Grand National.
A race steeped in history that always provides a story, the Grand National is the ultimate test of endurance and skill for both horse and jockey, as the pairing must navigate 30 treacherous fences, and then still have enough stamina to make a challenge on the run-in.
To manage a clear round in the 4m4f epic is no mean achievement, with the fences notoriously difficult and offering unique challenges.
Over the years, there have been countless memorable moments, Devon Loch's phantom leap in the 1956 contest, Foinavon's shock 100-1 win in 1967 and the brilliance of Red Rum, who took the chase on three occasions in 1973, 74 and 77.
In 1981 Aldaniti and Bob Champion completed a heartwarming tale when winning the race, as Aldaniti had recovered from a career-threatening injury while jockey Champion had battled back from cancer.
Last season the race provided another fairytale story as champion jockey and now BBC Sports Personality of the Year Tony McCoy finally gained victory in the race at the 15th timeof asking.
Big Buck's, Baby Run, Nacarat & the rest of the highlights from Aintree
