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:
3.05pm - JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle
Five hurdles to take with Strong Leader having moved forward from the back into the middle of the field. Hewick is up to second and is pressuring Flooring Porter.
3.05pm - JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle
Out in the lead Flooring Porter looks to open up a little advantage without pushing too hard. Dashel Drasher stays on his tail as Crambo hits a fence and lands awkwardly causing him to lose pace.
3.05pm - JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle
Hewick is up close to the lead on the outside with Crimbo and Monkfish riding next to each other a little further back.
3.05pm - JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle
Flooring Porter and Dashel Drasher are out in the lead as they make their way out to the back side of the courese. 10 hurdles to go.
3.05pm - JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle
And they’re off! Flooring Porter is the favourite for this one, Hewick wanted to run in the Grand National itself so it’s one to watch too.
3.05pm - JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle
One more race to go until the Grand National. There are 10 runners in this one with a few that will be recognisable for fans of the Cheltenham Festival including Champ, Hewick, Monkfish and Flooring Porter.
Grand National LIVE
Retired jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, who won the Grand National on Noble Yeats in 2022, said: “It’s special here because you only get to run it once a year. It’s a much more level playing field. It’s very special to be part of it all. They’re incredibly happy to have amateurs in their ranks as long as you’re safe.
“I have muscle memory and feel like I’m going to get on the horse. He’s [Noble Yeats] been here and done it, he knows what it’s all about.
“It’s a bit like your ex-girlfriend going on a date with someone else but Harry [Cobden] is a great jockey. My son is called Max so we’re backing I Am Maximus but I would love a great story to come out of it.”
Grand National LIVE
Galia Des Liteaux trainer Dan Skelton, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "There’s not been a mare win the race since 1951. We don’t see the jumps being an issue and the softer conditions out there being in her favour."
Grand National LIVE
David Maxwell, owner and rider Ain’t That A Shame, said: “I’m 45, I’ve been riding for years but I only took up serious race riding seven years ago. I just love it. Competing against guys and girls at the top of their game.
“I bought the horse and then rang Henry de Bromhead and told him I’m riding him. The fences are big, they’re hard to jump and there’s a lot of fallers but there’s a huge element of chance.
“You don’t know how the horses will cope with the fences and the trip.”
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