BBC's HD Brings Grand National To Life

In what will be a first for UK horse racing, the BBC will broadcast this year's 2010 Grand National in High Definition.
As one of the UK's most popular sporting occasions, the famous steeplechase is the ultimate test of speed, strength and stamina and is a fitting event for the first HD TV horse racing broadcast.
There will be comprehensive live coverage from all three days of the Aintree festival across BBC One and BBC Two, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport online and Red Button, with the entire meeting shown on BBC HD.
As well as broadcasting in HD, two new high-speed cameras will be used for the Grand National this year at The Chair and Becher's Brook.
These cameras capture the action for high speed replays, revealing the splendour of the horses jumping over these imposing fences.
The vortex camera is once again in use, operating from ground level to 100ft with 360 degree rotation, showing the full spectacle of the Grand National field as they go past the packed grandstands.
BBC Sport also has exclusive access to the jockey room before and after the big race.
The BBC's TV coverage is presented by Clare Balding alongside Rishi Persad.
They are joined by former Grand National-winning jockeys Mick Fitzgerald and Richard Dunwoody who, as expert pundits, will provide top-class analysis from the paddock. Richard Pitman and Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes will also be out and about at Aintree, bringing all the atmosphere of this, Liverpool's unique sporting event.
John Parrott once again pairs up with Gary Wiltshire to bring expert insight from the betting ring and all the news over the three days.
Jim McGrath leads the commentary team and is joined by Ian Bartlett and Darren Owen for the big race.
Live TV coverage from Aintree includes five races each day on Thursday 8 April and Friday 9 April on BBC Two.
Coverage begins at 1.40pm on Thursday and 1.45pm on Friday. Saturday's John Smith's Grand National programme on 10 April begins at 1.00pm on BBC One with the big race starting at 4.15pm.
Radio 5 Live has live coverage from Aintree on all three days. Coverage is led by 5 Live racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght, with commentary from Luke Harvey and John Hunt. Former jockey Mick Fitzgerald also lends his expert opinion to radio audiences.
To celebrate this year's Grand National, 5 Live is broadcasting a variety of programmes live from Liverpool John Moores University in front of local audiences, as well as hosting off-air events in the city (Thursday 8-Saturday 10 April).
(BMcC/GK)