Grand National LIVE: Winner, results and reaction from dramatic race at Aintree
The biggest race in the British horse racing calendar concluded the three-day festival at Aintree
I Am Maximus won the 2024 Grand National at Aintree in a topsy-turvy race where a winner couldn’t be called until the final straight. The 2023 champion Corach Rambler unseated jockey Derek Fox at the first fence which opened up the field for the rest of the riders.
Glengouly set the early pace fighting for the front with Foxy Jacks as the experienced jockeys looked to position themselves in the middle of the pack. Kitty’s Light moved up to third with Latenightpass and Galia Des Liteaux making charges towards the front of the field.
Rachael Blackmore’s Minella Indo and Jack Kennedy’s Delta Work - both 28/1- battled for the lead as Paul Townend and I Am Maximus kicked on.
Blackmore leapt the last slightly ahead but didn’t have the staying power, as I Am Maximus swept past and stormed to the finish line to win with ease – handing trainer Willie Mullins his second Grand National victory after Hedgehunter in 2005.
Follow along with our blog below for all the reaction from Aintree:
Man ‘on the lash’ at first trip to Grand National gives betting tips
A 77-year-old man on a stag do at his first-ever trip to Aintree has shared some Grand National betting tips as he hopes to win big.
Bill Taylor joked he might not make it back home to Mansfield if he wins big at the popular racing event held today.
Mr Taylor said: “I have always wanted to come to the Grand National. It is iconic and it is on my bucket list and I can’t believe I am here.”
Man, 77, ‘on the lash’ at first trip to Grand National gives betting tips
4pm - Randox Grand National
Approximate odds:
6-1 I Am Maximus,
8-1 Corach Rambler,
9-1 Limerick Lace
12-1 Mr Incredible, Meetingofthewaters, Panda Boy,
14-1 Vanillier, Kitty’s Light, Mahler Mission,
16-1 Noble Yeats,
20-1 Bar.
Grand National LIVE
JP McManus is seeking his third National win after both Don’t Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021).
The McManus squad includes the highly-touted Willie Mullins-trained pair I Am Maximus and Meetingofthewaters, with the master of Closutton reportedly pleased with the duo’s preparations.
“We have some nice prospects, but in the National you need a bit of luck. Hopefully they get round and have a bit of luck, that would be great,” said McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry.
“Willie is happy with his. I Am Maximus would be the big one if he takes to the place. He won’t mind the ground, but his jumping will have to come into play and he will need a bit of luck in running.
“Meetingofthewaters ran well at Cheltenham and he’s come out of the race well. Willie is very happy with him and we keep our fingers crossed he gets a good round.”
Vanillier to go one better?
Vanillier’s fast-finishing effort was ultimately in vain 12 months ago, but last year’s runner-up has been prepared with one day in mind as he bids to become the first grey in 12 years to win.
“We’ve trained him all year with this race in mind and he seems in good nick at home, so hopefully he will be right there,” said trainer Gavin Cromwell.
“He likes it at Aintree, so it would be good to see him run well there again.”
‘It’s magic’: Lucinda Russell excited to return to Aintree for Grand National
Lucinda Russell has her sights on another monumental day at Aintree when Corach Rambler defends his Randox Grand National title.
The 10-year-old ran out an impressive winner 12 months ago and will attempt to join the likes of Tiger Roll and the legendary Red Rum on the select list of back-to-back champions.
Buoyed by the performance of Ahoy Senor at the track on Thursday, the Scottish trainer is hopeful ahead of her Cheltenham Gold Cup third’s quest to join the Aintree immortals.
‘It’s magic’: Lucinda Russell excited to return to Aintree for Grand National
Grand National LIVE
Minella Indo trainer Henry de Bromhead: "It was amazing having Rachael Blackmore as the first lady to win the National. Minella Indo was meant to run in the Cross Country at Cheltenham but that was sadly cancelled.
“It’s softer than ideal for him but I think he should really enjoy it. He’s as good as we’ve ever had him so fingers crossed."
Grand National LIVE
Next up is the big one.
The Grand National runs at 4pm which is around 40 minutes away. I Am Maximus has overtaken Corach Rambler as the favourite to win but the field is strong and anyone could go on to triumph.
3.05pm - JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle full results
1. Strong Leader - 8/1
2. Buddy One - 15/2
3. Hiddenvalley Lake - 5/1
STRONG LEADER wins the JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle!
He made a move halfway down the back straight and pushed on ahead of Buddy One who holds on for second place. The early leaders fell away with Strong Leader living up to the name at the end of the race.
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