THE BBC yesterday revealed that a massive audience of nearly 12 million watched its live coverage of the rearranged Grand National.

There had been fears that the great race would lose some of its attraction for having to be switched to a 5 p.m. slot on Monday due to Saturday's security alert. But early indications yesterday from the British Audience Research Board are that nearly 12 million tuned into the BBC 1 coverage.

That beats last year's viewing figure of 11.2 million and makes the National the most watched sports event on television so far this year.

Brian Barwick, head of TV sport at the BBC, said: "This is a massive figure for a Grand National rescheduled and restaged at such short notice. It underlines the importance of the event to the British viewing public and we are delighted to have been able to bring the drama of this great event to the screen."

Aintree clerk of the course Charles Barnett added: "Aintree is thrilled with the news of these truly exceptional BBC figures. This illustrates the support the Martell Grand National receives from the public despite the race being restaged under such difficult circumstances."