VIDEO: Randox Grand National Festival morning scenes at Aintree

Industry research shows approximately £250 million will be staked on the main event – with the Grand National attracting everyone from serious punters to once-a-year fans who may pick a name based on anything from a connection to the name to the race colours.

Our News Letter video captures the morning atmosphere at the famous Aintree racecourse in Liverpool as excitement builds towards the 4pm main event start time for the 34-strong field.

Defending champion Corach Rambler heads the betting as Lucinda Russell and jockey Derek Fox both seek a third win in the Aintree showpiece and the Cheltenham Gold Cup third bids to join the likes of Red Rum and Tiger Roll as a back-to-back Grand National winner.

“I’ve always loved Aintree and it’s very much in my heart,” said Russell. “I love Liverpool and love the people there.

"They look after the horses and owners so well and it’s a track I like winning at.

“I always said I wanted Corach Rambler to go down in history, and he has gone down in history by winning the National once.

"If he could do it twice, it would really establish him as one of the great racehorses in the country.”