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:
Grand National LIVE
Gwennie May Boy and Charlie Todd win the William Hill Handicap Hurdle!
Lucinda Russell on death of Giovinco
Giovinco was put down after a fall at the final fence in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase on Friday raising concerns from animal rights activists as well as some not so nice areas of social media.
Trainer Lucinda Russell spoke about the abuse she has received after the death of horse Giovinco saying: “It really shakes you. It’s a horrible thing. I was on Facebook and someone said ‘you killed that horse.’ We didn’t and for someone to say that is so unfair.
“The girl who was with him was in tears, it’s ruined her life. I wouldn’t say that to someone if they ran over their dog. These horses are part of our lives and losing them is horrendous.”
Grand National LIVE
One race down, three to go until the big one. The Grand National runs at 4pm with Corach Rambler looking to make it a second consecutive victory at Aintree.
British trainer Dan Skelton just had a winner with Gwennie May Boy so is that a sign to come?
Skelton saddles Galia Des Liteaux in the Grand National later with his brother Harry taking the reins.
1.20pm - William Hill Handicap Result
1. Gwennie May Boy - 9/2
2. Lord Snootie - 18/1
3. West Balboa -11/4
4. JohnnyWho - 9/1
5. Monmiral - 9/1
GWENNIE MAY BOY wins the William Hill Handicap Hurdle!
Oh wow.
After the final jump Gwennie May Boy finds another level and drives miles ahead of the other contenders. He’s kicked cleared of the rest and comfortably crosses the line for a win.
1.20pm - William Hill Handicap Hurdle
Gwennie May Boy, JohnnyWho and West Balboa move past the rest and leap over the last with a slight lead. It’s a race to the line now.
1.20pm - William Hill Handicap Hurdle
The back markers are drifting further away as the leading duos continue to look strong. West Balboa is starting to move through the pack though ready to make a move.
Johnnywho and Monmiral are in decent positions as well.
Grand National LIVE
Trainer of Corach Rambler, Lucinda Russell, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I should be quite relaxed now. Corach looks fantastic and he has the same feeling as I do at this place. He takes in the atmosphere at Aintree. In my world, Corach is a legend. He’s a year older and he looks even fitter and tighter. He’s become quite a hard horse and he’s very focussed.
"We’ve been tapering his work. He’s a fabulous horse and we’re so honoured to have him. Corach in the time up to the National eats everything, he’s like a marathon runner loading. He showed last year he loves the fences and he stays the trip. He should be favourite, he just needs a bit of luck now.
"I was worried about Limerick Lace during the week when the ground was a little bit softer. I’m just all about Corach."
1.20pm - William Hill Handicap Hurdle
Johnsons Blue and Classic Concorde continuously switch places at the front of the field as they drive past the grandstand for the conclusion of the first circuit.
The first mile was a quick one and there’s six hurdles to go yet. Who will stay on for the finish?
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