Si, Torbay: My nanna Teresa had a foolproof method for picking race winners. The horse's name had to have a third letter 'r'. Mad I know, but you honestly wouldn't believe how many winners she had! So watch out for Lord Windermere, First Lieutenant, Spring Heeled, Carlito Brigante, Corrin Wood, Across The Bay and Portrait King - one of them is the winner. You're welcome.

The madder the better, join the conversation using #bbcsportsday, external on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, external or Google+ page., external

You can also text us on 81111 (UK only) - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Image source, Getty Images

Canadian Formula One driver Jacques Villeneuve, who won the 1997 world championship, was born on this day in 1971.

Loving the wigs by the way.

All Yours, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies and trained by champion trainer Paul Nicholls, won the Grade One juvenile hurdle at Aintree at 16-1.

The odds-on favourite Hargam, ridden by AP McCoy, faded to finish outside the places.

McCoy also missed out in the opening race of the Grand National Meeting, which was won by Ruby Walsh on Clarcam.

Andrew Benson
BBC Sport chief F1 writer

Jenson Button has rejected Bernie Ecclestone's proposal for a women-only Formula 1 championship.

The F1 impresario has suggested the idea as one of a series of proposals aimed at spicing up the sport.

"We have a lot of issues that need resolving but I don't think we'll have a women's championship," said Button.

"There's no reason a woman can't race against guys. These days, with the way the cars are, it is mentally taxing and demanding but not physically."

Lewis Hamilton's latest BBC Sport column is up and ready for you to read.

The Stevenage-born world champion talks about the threat from Ferrari, provides an update on his proposed new deal with Mercedes, and gives an idea of what to expect at China this weekend.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman speaking before Saturday's visit of struggling Hull:

On finishing in the top four: "You have to be realistic. Our focus, at the moment, has to be on fifth, sixth and seventh. If Saints reach the Europa League, it's like the rest reaching the Champions League."

Image source, Glamorgan

Some county news away from the England scene as Glamorgan make a late addition to their squad before this weekend's County Championship opener - bringing in Nottinghamshire fast bowler Andy Carter on a one-month loan.

Carter, who has taken 70 wickets in 24 first-class matches since making his debut in 2009, will be available for the Division Two clash against Leicestershire, which gets under way at Grace Road on Sunday.

The Grand National is almost upon us so we're asking you: How do you go about picking a winner?

Do you forensically study the form book (and then lose, naturally)? Is it instinct? Or do you just look for a funny name?

Ian, Burgess Hill: Well it's gut reaction from me, bit of form and the odd name chucked in. Surely this year Mr McCoy can go out on his horse and sting the bookies? Respect.

Join the conversation using #bbcsportsday, external on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, external or Google+ page., external

You can also text us on 81111 (UK only) - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

League One strugglers Yeovil have appointed Paul Sturrock as their manager.

The former Plymouth and Southampton boss had been out of work since leaving Southend in 2013 before a four-day spell at Torquay over the Easter weekend.

He departed Plainmoor having been offered this role with the Glovers, set for relegation to League Two, which will see current interim manager Terry Skiverton revert to assistant boss with Darren Way first-team coach.

BBC Sport has been meeting the Oxford and Cambridge University female rowing teams as they prepare for their historic race on the Thames on Saturday.

The two women's crews will be competing on the same day and on the same course as their male counterparts for the first time in the race's history.

The Boat Races are live from 16:15-18:35 BST on BBC One and 16:50-18:50 BST on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Image source, Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's trip to former club Spurs.

"We are hungry, fighting for our lives and will go out in every game and try to win them."

Image source, Getty Images

It is about time Ferrari started winning again - and Sebastian Vettel agrees.

Fresh from Ferrari's first victory in 35 grands prix in Malaysia 11 days ago, and ending his own 20-race drought, Vettel returned to a hero's welcome at the team's factory at Maranello last week.

He said: "It was a great victory we had in Malaysia, great for us as a team, and for myself a very emotional day - my first win with Ferrari.

"When I returned to the factory on Wednesday, to see all the people there was quite special. The team hadn't won for quite a while, so they enjoyed the fact they had something to celebrate.

"There were a couple of rituals involved, so it was nice for them to get that feeling again."

Saturday's Grand National at Aintree simply wouldn't be the same without a sweepstake.

Luckily you can download one on the BBC Sport website.

As well as having a bet on your favourite horse, give yourself another chance by pooling together 40 work colleagues, or a combination of family and friends, and having a lucky dip.

It is always an open race so best of luck.

The Grand National is almost upon us so we're asking you: How do you go about picking a winner?

Do you forensically study the form book (and then lose, naturally)? Is it instinct? Or do you just look for a funny name?

Whatever your strategy, join the conversation using #bbcsportsday, external on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, external or Google+ page., external

You can also text us on 81111 (UK only) - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Image source, Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has also been talking to the media ahead of his side's trip to his former club Spurs. We will bring you what he has to say when we have it.

Ken Doherty takes a 5-4 lead at the interval over Reanne Evans in their best-of 19-frame World Championship qualifier.

When play resumes at 19:00 BST, Evans will continue her bid to become the first woman to play in the World Championship proper. The winner of this game will have to play two more qualifying matches to reach the first round.

Image source, Burnley fc

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is talking to the media ahead of Saturday's visit of Arsenal.

"I'm happy with the way the team is operating at the moment but it's a big challenge against a good side," he said.

"Our mental strength has been evident all season and we've found clarity before on big occasions and we look to again vs Arsenal."

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew confirms midfielder Joe Ledley has a hip strain and will be monitored before the trip to Sunderland.

"We'll have to see if this is a game for Joe. He's been exceptional since I've been here so we'll give him an opportunity," he said.

The opening day of the Grand National festival at Aintree is about to get under way. Here is today's itinerary...

13:40: Manifesto Novices' Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f

14:15: Aintree Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 1f

14:50: Betfred Bowl Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 3m 1f Jump

15:25: Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f Jump

16:05: Crabbie's Fox Hunters' Steeple Chase (Class 2) 2m 5½f

16:40: Aintree Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 2m

17:15 Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 3m ½f

Former Grand National winner AP McCoy and trainer, the late Toby Balding, have been inducted into Aintree's Hall of Fame.

McCoy, who is on the verge of having his 20th and final ride in the Crabbie's Grand National, won the race in 2010 on 'Don't Push It'.

Balding,, who died on September 25, 2014, won the Grand National twice - with Highland Wedding in 1969 and with Little Polveir in 1989. He also gave A P McCoy his first job in racing in England.