Commentator and pundit Darren Owen has had a lifelong love of the world's most famous steeplechase.

From watching the great race as a young boy to commentating on it for an audience of millions, Darren has some brilliant memories of the Aintree showpiece. They include legendary names such as Red Rum and Aldaniti and memories including the void race of 1994 and the bomb scare of 1997.

Here he recounts those stories dating back to the early 1970s, and sums up what makes the race so special.

You can watch the race in any William Hill shop, or online or on mobile, or listen to it on William Hill's Racing Radio.