Grand National LIVE: Winner, results and reaction from dramatic race at Aintree

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.”

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.

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’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.”

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.

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."

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.

1. Strong Leader - 8/1

2. Buddy One - 15/2

3. Hiddenvalley Lake - 5/1

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.

Buddy One is going for home with two hurdles to go. He moves into the lead with Strong Leader tracking him, Both horses go over the last side-by-side...