The first running of the Grand National: February 26, 1839

1:00am Monday 25th February 2008

Catapulted over the head of his mount and into a stream 169 years ago in the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase, Captain Martin Becher is reputed to have ventured that until then he hadn't realised how "dreadful water tastes without whisky in it".

Busby Babes

12:13am Monday 4th February 2008

There will be saturation coverage this week of a tragic anniversary. It will be 50 years on Wednesday since Flight 609 crashed on take-off from Munich Airport claiming 23 lives, including eight of the so-called Busby Babes and seven football writers.

Joe Davis: The father of modern snooker

12:28am Monday 21st January 2008

JOE DAVIS was the father of modern snooker, winner of 15 successive world titles, but he is alleged to have controlled the game ruthlessly, blocking the progress of others, included a man reputed to be the game's greatest hustler.

Lillian Board – The Golden Girl

12:35am Monday 24th December 2007

Lillian Board was one of the greatest female athletes of her generation, despite a career significantly curtailed by her death from cancer. She received an MBE in the Honours' List at the start of 1970. By Boxing Day that year she was dead, just 13 days after her 22nd birthday.

Alec Rose: Solo yachtsman

12:17am Monday 17th December 2007

The exploits of Portsmouth greengrocer Alec Rose captured the imagination and curiosity of the world when he attempted to circumnavigate the globe single-handed.

Eddie Kidd: Sex, drugs and throttle control

12:10am Monday 10th December 2007

EDDIE KIDD, the motorbike rider and film stunt man, flew like Icarus during his career, but high on coke snorted the night before, he finally crashed to earth 11 years ago, and was confined to a wheelchair.

England's cricketers: The Bodyline Tour

12:01am Monday 3rd December 2007

It was conceived by a Scot, executed most lethally by a Nottingham miner, and almost destroyed relations between England and Australia.

Pele and Romario: the 1000-goal club

12:03am Monday 19th November 2007

It was just a penalty. And Pele rarely missed penalties. Certainly not this one - O Milesimo - the 1000th goal of his career.

The archive: Cassius Clay

12:30am Monday 29th October 2007

Whatever happened to the guy whom Muhammad Ali beat in his first profes-sional fight, 47 years ago today?

Denis Compton ‘The Brylcreem boy’ hits his peak

12:01am Monday 22nd October 2007

In an era long before the phrase "national icon" had been coined, Denis Compton was one. It's 60 years this weekend since he ended the greatest season by an English cricketer, breaking every one-season batting record with 18 centuries and 3816 runs.

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