Neptune Collonges claims dramatic Grand National

Daryl Jacob riding Neptune Collonges (grey horse) on their way to winning The John Smith's Grand National from Sunnyhillboy and Richie McLernon (Getty Images)

Neptune Collonges gave champion trainer Paul Nicholls his first John Smith's Grand National winner when getting up on the line to beat Sunnyhillboy in an incident-packed race at Aintree.

Ridden by Daryl Jacob, the 33-1 shot looked booked for minor honours rounding the famous Elbow, with Jonjo O'Neill's Sunnyhillboy holding a clear lead.

But as the line approached, the grey Neptune Collonges lunged late to land the honours by a nose.

PA