In 1997 the 150th Grand National was plunged into chaos by an IRA bomb threat minutes before the big race was about to start. 

60,000 people were hurried away from Aintree as TV viewers witnessed scenes of racegoers clambering over fences trying to escape. 

The sudden influx of 20,000 spectators overwhelmed Liverpool's hotels leaving it to residents to take them in. The BBC was the only organisation allowed to continue broadcasting as the race hung in the balance for 49 hours. 

20 years on, we look back at the historic day and hear from those who were there. Plus news, interviews and features previewing next week's races at Aintree's Grand National Festival.

[Originally broadcast on 30 March 2017]

Evacuate Aintree: when terrorists targeted the Grand National

From rugby legends, to Premier League managers &amp; beyond – the biggest names in sport tell us their stories.

Sports

Iain Carter speaks to 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm ahead of this year’s tournament. 
The Spanish golfer reflects on last year’s win, talks about his aims to retain the green jacket, and discusses his decision to join LIV Golf in December. 
We also hear from golf journalists Ewan Murray and Bob Harig about the future of the game in the LIV Golf era. TIMECODES:
00:58 - Jon Rahm interview
13:55 - Reflection on the interview with Ewan and Bob

The Jon Rahm one

Helen Glover discusses her career as an Olympic Gold medal winner and also her aims for this summer's games in Paris. She talks about how she began her rowing career, the legacy that she hopes to leave and her greatest moments in life and her career. TOPICS
0 mins - Preparing for Paris
3 mins - Earning her place
5 mins - Juggling parenting with competition
10 mins - Helen's rowing beginnings
13 mins - "Work hard and you can do anything"
15 mins - Helen's first Olympic gold medal
20 mins - Helen's greatest moments
22 mins - Goals for Paris

The Helen Glover one

Darren Fletcher is joined by NFL Network's Adam Rank, former NFL player Jason Bell,  and NFL Broadcaster Greg Brady to preview this years Super Bowl between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. They hear from NFL star Patrick Mahomes and discuss their predictions for the game, whilst also touching on the frenzy surrounding Taylor Swift's relationship with Kansas tight end, Travis Kelce.

The Super Bowl One

Sebastian Coe looks back on his days as an Olympian, including his rivalry with Steve Ovett and training on Christmas Day. He talks about his role at the London 2012 Olympic Games and the pleasure in awarding Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill her heptathlon gold medal. Also, as the current president of World Athletics, he discusses the biggest challenges ahead for the sport. TOPICS:
0 mins The start of an Olympic year
3 mins Supporting Jessica Ennis as London poster-girl
5 mins Awarding Jessica Ennis her gold medal
11 mins Rivalry with Steve Ovett
17 mins Being coached by his father
22 mins Career after competing
26 mins Challenges ahead for athletics
30 mins What’s next?

The Seb Coe One

The Olympic rowing great discusses his incredible career with Elly Oldroyd - one that saw him win five rowing gold medals across five consecutive Games. He also opens up on his health issues, his struggles during Covid and his regrets at not getting the opportunity to work in a coaching capacity with the GB team. He also explains how it feels when they build a statue of you in the town where you live. TOPICS:
0 mins Memories of entering an Olympic year.
2 mins Maintaining motivation.
4 mins Redgrave’s relationship with Matthew Pinsent.
6 mins The special bond from the gold in 1984.
7 mins The final gold in Sydney.
10 mins Diabetes, health and fitness after retirement.
18 mins Recognition and a statue in his hometown of Marlow. 
20 mins His role with the Chinese team, the difficulties of working there during Covid and the subsequent mental health issues.
26 mins Whether he still has ambitions to work with the GB team.
29 mins The new generation of Redgrave’s.

Evacuate Aintree: when terrorists targeted the Grand National

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