Grand National Diversion

It's derby day in Northern Ireland - Glentoran v Linfield, Crusaders v Cliftonville, etc. Rubbish for selecting sure things.

It's not much better in the Premiership. Arsenal face Bolton while Manchester United and Chelsea are both playing in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

It's the same message across Europe - no easy pickings today (although tomorrow looks slightly more promising with AZ Alkmaar and Barcelona looking like home wins).

However, today is the day of the John Smith's Grand National - the biggest day in the calendar for bookmakers in the UK. Traditionally, today is the day than non-gamblers place their once a year bets and I'm doing the same.

40 runners over 4 miles - it's a test of endurance more than anything.

I've plumped for a £5 each way bet on Lami (16/1), ridden by Tony McCoy and a £10 each way bet on Ballycassidy (40/1), ridden by Denis Oregan. For your information, Joe's Edge is favourite at 10/1.

I backed the winner in this race 4 years on the trot in the 90s, but haven't had much luck in recent years. Fingers crossed for today though.