BBC Radio 5 live

Struggling to get near a television this afternoon? Don't fret - BBC Radio 5 live will be bringing you live commentary from the big race. And, speaking as a man who once cheered Don't Push It over the winning line in the car park of a shopping centre, it's just as good as watching the race. In fact it's probably better in terms of excitement! Give it a go this afternoon.

Steve Cleaton, a forecaster for BBC Weather Centre: "A weather front moved across the area overnight into Saturday morning, which brought around 3 or 4 mm of rain. Skies have now cleared, and conditions are expected to remain dry and sunny for the majority of Saturday afternoon, but the fresh westerly breeze and temperature of 11 Celsius will make for a significantly cooler feel than of recent days. There will be a few isolated blustery showers in the area though, so a passing shower is not out of the question during the race itself."

Remember, if you're on your way to Aintree... wait for the green horse before crossing the road!

Image source, Reuters

There's been a change of jockey overnight, with top-weight Lord Windermere to be saddled by Brian O'Connell after the injured Robbie McNamara was ruled out following a fall at Wexford.

Find out more in our Pinstickers' Guide.

If you can't wait until the big race at 16:15 BST, here's the full racecard to whet the appetite:

13:30: Aintree Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f

14:05: Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Steeplechase (Grade 1) 2m

14:50: Silver Cross Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m ½f

15:25: Betfred Handicap Steeplechase (Listed) 3m 1f

16:15: CRABBIE'S GRAND NATIONAL (Grade 3) 4m 3½f

17:10: Crabbie's Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) 2m ½f

17:40: Pinsent Masons Mares' Standard Open NH Flat (Listed) 2m 1fce)Full race schedule (Time, race, status, distance)

Let's do this then. Let me have your tips for this afternoon's race, and the reasons for your selection. At Aintree? Why not send us a selfie? Whatever you want to talk about - providing it's about horse racing! - we're all ears. Send us a tweet, using #bbcracing,, external ping a text to 81111 (remembering to include your name) or post to BBC Sport's Facebook, external and Google+, external pages.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Aintree

"This is the view from The Chair, one of the iconic fences in the Grand National.

"I have just walked the course, with the sun out and a fairly strong breeze drying the ground after some showers this morning.

"The going on the National course is officially described as Good to Soft, Good in places."

Afternoon everyone. Ready for the biggest race of the year? Made your bet yet? Still deliberating?

Either way, you're in the right place for all the best tips, build-up and race action.

Image source, PA

Or perhaps AP McCoy will retire a legend, but without the fairytale ending.

Like when Don Bradman missed out on a career average of 100 by just four runs, being dismissed for a duck against England. Or when Marvin Hagler was controversially beaten by Sugar Ray Leonard in 1987. It didn't end much better for Brian Clough either - the legendary football manager bowing out after seeing his Nottingham Forest side relegated.

Like the trio above, AP's legacy is safe. But how will it end? In fairytale, Hollywood-style today? Or on to Sandown for a more low-key finale?

Image source, Getty Images

It could be the one of the greatest denouements to a sporting career ever seen for AP McCoy this afternoon.

Like when Tony Adams hung up his football boots as a double winner. Or when Pete Sampras beat his great rival Andre Agassi in the 2002 US Open final, meaning he retired lifting a then-record 14th Grand Slam title.

Perhaps it'll be as dramatic as Brian O'Driscoll's final game for Ireland, when he helped his side to Six Nations glory?