National start time put back

The start of the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday has been put back 25 minutes to 4.10pm

The move comes in response to the rescheduling of the wedding of the Prince Of Wales to Camilla Parker Bowles, which was switched from Friday due to the Pope's funeral.

The two events have caused a nightmare for programme planners at the BBC, with both occasions clamouring for priority in the television schedules.

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.

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

The John Smith's Grand National will now be run as the fifth race on the seven-race programme, with the first four races to be televised live on BBC One.

BBC Two will switch to Aintree from the Royal wedding at 3.30pm in order to capture the build-up to the feature race at 4.10pm.

The revised order of running on Saturday is as follows:

1.45 John Smith's Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle.
2.15 John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase.
2.50 John Smith's No Nonsense Handicap Hurdle.
3.20 Scottish & Newcastle Aintree Hurdle.
4.10 John Smith's Grand National.
4.55 John Smith's Novices' Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase,
5.30 John Smith's Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race.