"Grand National"

26 March 2017

60s

National pride.

John Cooper Clarke and The Maccabees's 'Pelican' combine to give this ITV Racing promo terrific energy. The broadcaster taps into how the annual Aintree meeting captures the nation's imagination - and turns us all into racing savants.

Form goes out the window when it comes to picking a contender; instead, it's all about "their colours and their funny names". Whether we meet Triumph or Disaster, everyone starts the race with one thought: this could be the year.

The film weaves together racing footage, eccentric personalities and visual stories beautifully. It boils down the race's multi-faceted relationship with the nation's seasoned and novice punters alike.

Cooper Clarke's words and voice convey the Grand National's enduring appeal, a blend of tradition and superstitions. The lyrical script also incorporates the channel's "nothing comes close" mantra, further strengthening ITV's revived association with horse racing.

UK

TV Programmes