Grand National 2023 LIVE: Results, reaction and latest updates after dramatic day at Aintree

How safe is the race?

Significant changes were introduced before the 2013 race which saw the core of fences softened, the distance reduced and new procedures for loose horses.

Two horses died in the race last year - there have been four equine fatalities from a total of 356 runners in the past nine editions.

The most famous event in British racing returns in 2023 with the Grand National set to be held for the 175th time at Aintree on Saturday.

First run in 1839, the steeplechase will see competing horses and jockeys clear 30 fences in the hopes of etching their names in history.

Noble Yeats took victory in 2022, becoming the first seven-year-old horse to win in more than 80 years, with punters eager to find the best bets this weekend.

40 runners are ready to tackle the four-and-a-bit mile course, with a trio of favourites heading the betting.

Here are the runners and current odds for the 2023 Grand National:

Delta Work can give trainer Gordon Elliott a record-equalling fourth victory in the Randox Grand National at Aintree.

George Dockeray, Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain currently share the honours as the leading handlers in the National Hunt highlight and Elliott has every chance of adding his name to the hall of fame.

Delta Work was beaten 22 lengths by Noble Yeats when third last year, but while that one has been hiked 15lb, the selection will actually carry 5lb less than 12 months ago after some mixed results in the interim.

There could be no arguing with the merit of his prep run though, following the same path as last year to fend off stablemate and reopposing rival Galvin in the cross-country chase at the Cheltenham Festival, with Delta Work keeping on well to win by two and a half lengths despite having a 7lb deficit on official ratings.

His stamina is still to be proven over this four-and-a-quarter-mile trip and clearly if ante-post favourite Corach Rambler takes to the course, the whole field will be up against it with a horse that is technically 10lb well in.

Corach Rambler’s come-from-behind style is also a risk in a 40-strong field and so Delta Work is the pick on the basis of his proven aptitude for the fences, which are the crucial part of this whole test.

Our Power could give him most to think about from the bottom of the handicap, while another Elliott runner in Coko Beach can make the frame and Noble Yeats cannot be ruled out back at the scene of his greatest hour.

Now there’s a 45 minute wait or so until the big one. The Grand National 2023 will set off at quarter-past five meaning there’s loads of time to get a final bet on if you’re so inclined.

Otherwise, get ready to enjoy the best race on the calender. This should be a belter as most of the horses are too close to call. There’s no outstanding talent like Tiger Roll and the joint favourites are all at 10/1.

Delta Work, Ain’t That A Shame, Corach Rambler and Gaillard Du Mesnil are all back to win this one.

Full results:

1. Midnight River - 15/2

2. Bowtogreatness - 12/1

3. Kinondo Kwetu - 10/1

4. Shakem Up’arry - 9/2

Over the last and finally a space opens up for Midnight River! He flies past Bowtogreatness and kicks on on the outside. It’s a second win of the day for Harry and Dan Skelton!

Shakem Uparry, Bowtogreatness and Midnight River all jump ahead of Eldorardo Allen over the second to last.

Harry Skelton finds himself blocked off as they race towards the final jump.

Kapga De Lily is in contention with four fences to go. Beauport has fallen and taken some of the horse at the back of the field with it.

The front five or six try to break away from the pack.

Eight fences to go and Midnight River finds himself in second place ahead of Shakem Uparry. Still a long way to go but Eldorado Allen has been drawn back into the pack.

This is a close race now.

Eldorado Allen is a grey horse and looks wonderful as he leads by a couple of lengths. Midnight River moves ahead of Castle Robin with Bowtogreatness making his way through the field to edge closer to the leading group.

Still no signs of Beauport making a move.