Tomorrow sees the annual running of the most controversial of horse races in the National Hunt season. The John Smith's Grand National Handicap Chase at the Liverpool racecourse Aintree puts its participants through a gruelling and life threatening experience. And its continued running is much to the annoyance of many animal rights groups.

Run over a distance of 4.5 miles, its length is testing enough. Add in 30 fences and you're asking both horse and jockey many questions. Some of the fences have acquired legendary status for their severity, particularly Beachers Brook, a fence of 6 ft 9" with a deceptive 2 ft drop on landing from the take off height. Also feared is The Chair, the tallest and broadest fence on the course. Luckily this and the water jump have to be negotiated just once - the 14 other fences are tackled twice.

The race has a history like no other, from a non-running because of a bomb scare (1997), a void race due to some jockeys failing to come back after a false start(1993), a three-time winner in Redrum, (1973, 74, 77) and a delayed race due to a Royal wedding (2005).

Each year the race captures the public attention. Many who never set foot inside a bookies, or should I say logged onto Betfair, will have a wager on tomorrow's race. Millions watch the race, and much more is bet on it, including some of my eurozonedollars.

I'll be backing the following,

Point Barrow - Here's my win bet. A former Irish National winner, proven stamina and a horse who should enjoy the good ground tomorrow.

Jack High - a faller last year, hopefully he'll get round and a nice each-way bet.

Bother Na - a good jumper who will also like the good ground. Another each-way bet.

If you're having a flutter, good luck and let's hope all horses and jockeys come back safe and sound.

tags: Grand National