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grand national 2005 / news/

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL ON BBC 1 AT 4.10PM ON SATURDAY
05/04/2005
Aintree's big race on Saturday is scheduled 25 minutes later than originally planned.

Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree will now be run at 4.10pm, which is 25 minutes later than previously scheduled, and will be televised live on BBC 1.

Commenting on the change, Charles Barnett, Managing Director at Aintree, said: "We have made this decision in consultation with the BBC in order to offer members of the public the best possible afternoon’s viewing."

The John Smith’s Grand National will now be run as the fifth race on the seven-race programme.

Consequently, the first four races from Aintree on Saturday will be televised live on BBC 2, with the revised order of running on that day as follows:

1.45pm £50,000 John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle

2.15pm £110,000 John Smith’s Maghull Novices Chase

2.50pm £40,000 John Smith’s No Nonsense Handicap Hurdle (switched from 5.05pm)

3.20pm £150,000 Scottish and Newcastle Aintree Hurdle

4.10pm £700,000 John Smith’s Grand National

4.55pm £30,000 John Smith’s Novices’ Amateur Riders Handicap Chase

5.30pm £30,000 John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race

BBC 1 will switch to Aintree from the Royal Wedding at 3.30pm in order to capture the build-up to the world’s greatest steeplechase at 4.10pm.

Barnett added: "We have taken this decision after a great deal of thought and discussion. We hope it will be a great day for everyone."