Image source, Getty Images

In 2021, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National when she rode Minella Times to victory. That followed a string of wins at the Cheltenham Festival over the years.

We know that loads of you will want to back her - and she's riding Minella Indo for Irish trainer Henry de Bromhead again.

Her victory in 2021 was for De Bromhead - and she rode Minella Indo to third in last year's race. The 12-year-old comes into the National fresh, having opted to skip the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Speaking about her ride on Friday, Blackmore told BBC Radio 5 Live: "He feels brilliant. He’s 12 now so he’s getting a little bit older but he still retains so much enthusiasm.

"I rode him last week and he definitely doesn’t feel 12 - he feels fantastic.

"He comes alive at this time of the year and Henry de Bromhead [the trainer] does a fantastic job at sparking him at the right time. He was great in the race last year."

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Aintree

The official going on the Grand National course is good to soft.

With dry weather in the build-up to the race, officials have been watering the track for the last three weks to keep the ground as safe as possible. Around 80mm of water has gone down.

The more it dries out, the quicker it becomes. And a breezy morning will dry the ground further.

That is good news for horses who thrive on good ground - the likes of Hewick, Monbeg Genius and Minella Cocooner.

Walking the track is like strolling on a green carpet.

• What is the 'going' in horse racing?

Image source, Getty Images

The Grand National is a unique challenge. It is four and a half miles - the longest race in the British jump calendar - and has some of the most challenging jumps too.

But what does it to take win the race that officially started in 1839?

Rachael Blackmore, who won the race in 2021 on board Minella Times, has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It’s a little bit different to riding in races at Cheltenham or so on where you feel a lot of pressure -jockeys don’t feel the same pressure going into the Grand National," said Blackmore.

"It is really exciting - if you’re down at the start and you’re lined up you’re in with as good a chance as anyone. Everyone is trying to achieve the same thing.

"You need a lot of things to go your way if you’re going to win the National, there’s a lot of different things involved.

"Some horses take to the race and you’re just hoping you’re on one of those."

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Aintree

A nice image of I Am Maximus adorns the front page of Aintree's Grand National racecard (cost £5 in case you wondered).

“The race marks a cornerstone in the British sporting calendar,” says Aintree chairman Julian White and Jockey Club regional director Dickon White in their joint notes.

“This year’s renewal, looks to be one of the best we’ve ever had with last year’s champion I Am Maximus back to defend his title.

“It’s a race like no other, where stories become legends.”

Image source, Aintree

Image source, Getty Images

Paul Townend, who won the Grand National on I Am Maximus in 2024, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "It is hard to believe it has been a year but it is nice to come in here and see your picture hanging on the wall inside. I wouldn't mind celebrating it for another year, it is special.

"It was different. I thought nothing could get close to a high of a Gold Cup - and I'm not saying it was the same, it was a bit different. I wasn't sure what to expect from I Am Maximus going out either. It is a Grand National, you need a lot of luck, a lot can happen.

"When you're a kid it is the Grand National that catches your attention and you dream about it - it just has a different feel about it. When you get older you think about Gold Cups, but when you are younger it is the Grand National that you all watch.

"I will be going out there trying to do the same thing on I Am Maximus, but will it go as smooth? Probably not. You can look at it two ways: We've had the experience here now and he took to it really well but it is not a given that they take to it as well the second time, but I think he will because of the way he took to it last year."

Are you at Aintree? Are you hosting a big family party? Are you at a football match and might miss the start of the second half to watch/follow the race on your phone?

Also let us know who you think will win and why, of course.

Let us know how you're going to be following the Grand National and spending the day on #bbcracing, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply).

We'd love to see some great pictures too - they can be sent in via the WhatsApp and we'll include the best throughout the day.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Aintree

Aintree looked a picture earlier as I looked out on the Grand National course.

It's a goosebumps moment, surveying the right side which has the opening run of fences with Becher's Brook the sixth obstacle to be jumped.

Memories flash back of the Aintree greats like Red Rum, Aldaniti and Tiger Roll who have triumphed on this right-handed track.

It's sunny, dry and temperatures are expected to reach 19C.

Image source, PA Media

First things first, we know some of you will still be deciding which horse (or horses) you're going to back in the Grand National at 16:00 BST.

Whether you pick off name, form, colours of the silks, numbers or maybe even age - we've got you covered.

Our Grand National pinstickers' guide to the runners will give you all the information you need.

Afternoon!

How are you all? Excited? Nervous?

Grand National day can give all the emotions can't it?

Stay with us as we bring you all the build up to the big race at 16:00 BST - and we'll have live coverage of the four races prior and two races after as well.

Image source, Getty Images

It is one of the biggest days of the year.

Who will write themselves into horse racing folklore in just over three hours time?

It is Great National day at Aintree! Welcome along.