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

Johnsons Blue takes the early lead at the head of this packed field. West Balboa is positioned in the middle of the pack with Classic Concorde pushing up to second place.

And they’re off! The first race of the day gets started with West Balboa the favourite and Gwennie May Boy just behind in the betting.

Who’ll claim a win in this opening ride?

West Balboa will be heading off as favourite in the opening race of the day at a 5/2 shot or thereabouts.

The horse, who is trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by his brother Harry, will be aiming for back-to-back wins on a track that he likes.

Last year he claimed a win by five lengths and started this season with another win at Aintree.

It’s almost time for the first race of the day which is the William Hill Handicap Hurdle. There are four races in the build-up to the Grand National and the third day of Aintree’s festival starts here.

In this modern world of technology, streaming platforms and countless television channels all vying for our attention, there are only a few sporting events that can garner genuine interest from the whole family at the same time.

The Fifa World Cup final, Andy Murray playing at Wimbledon, this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris to name just a few.

The Grand National sits proudly among them, an annual treat and glimpse into the world of National Hunt racing where the best horses compete on the most gruelling and iconic course to claim the ultimate prize.

History, admiration and half a million pounds are at stake for the 34 contenders who will line up behind the tape at four o’clock on Saturday afternoon. The crowds will be assembled at Aintree Racecourse, families will be huddled around TV screens, millions more will be following along through online blogs or listening to the commentary on the radio.

The Grand National transcends other races by being a living embodiment of history. A snapshot of the present that those watching on know will be remembered in the decades to come.

Read Michael Jones’ big preview of the Grand National here:

The Grand National is one of the most significant betting events in the UK. The runners at the head of the Grand National odds are there strictly on merit, but plenty of runners still have claims of making the places.

Most horse racing betting sites have extended their each-way terms to six places for today’s race, presenting a promising opportunity for new and existing customers to gain a return from this renowned steeplechase.

The race, a gruelling marathon of four miles and two furlongs, demands exceptional stamina and the ability to navigate challenging obstacles safely. Ignoring the market leaders, we pinpoint three runners who should give their supporters a run for their money and make the top six or even surprise and win the £500,000 prize.

Delta Work (18/1) has caught the eye of our horse racing tipster Paul Millward:

“Delta Work is a Gordan Elliott-trained runner and the shortest price of his eight hopefuls. He was third in the National two years ago and was going well last year before making a severe jumping error and unseating his rider deep into the race. Although he has not shown much so far this season, this has been his main target and he is one of a handful who looks assured of getting the trip.

“Apart from unseating in last year’s race, his jumping has been relatively rock solid, and he is another who should complete the course. If that is the case, there is little reason to suppose he cannot make the top six.”

Verdict:

A major talking point has been the paucity of the UK challenge but they still have the favourite in Corach Rambler, who, barring accidents, is hard to see being out of the frame given he ran his best race ever, on the figures, last time out in the Gold Cup.

That may have just taken the edge off him, though, and the much fresher Mahler Mission is taken to come out on top for John McConnell. He ran a blinder at Newbury when last seen, is a safe jumper and stays well.

I Am Maximus is a hard one to weigh up as he is extremely talented but sometimes does his best not to win. He may sulk but if he takes to it has the class to go close while stablemate Adamantly Chosen is more difficult to weigh up and looks overpriced.

Prediction:

1. Mahler Mission, 2. I Am Maximus, 3. Corach Rambler.

30. Galia Des Liteaux (Trainer: Dan Skelton) 6/10

Has probably not quite achieved what connections hoped she might this season but as a result she now looks well handicapped on her best form. Her best run came over the longest trip she has tackled and if she stays in touch will be staying on.

31. Panda Boy (Trainer: Martin Brassil) 8/10

Has been touted for this for some time and hails from a shrewd stable who have won this before. Second to a well-treated rival at Christmas and caught the eye over hurdles last time out. Player.

32. Eklat De Rire (Trainer: Henry de Bromhead) 3/10

Lightly-raced individual who looked promising in his younger days but has struggled to stay fit. Disappointed at Cheltenham and hard to have much faith.

33. Chambard (Trainer: Venetia Williams) - HORSE WITHDREW ON MORNING OF THE RACE

34. Kitty’s Light (Trainer: Christian Williams) 6/10

One of the rare feel-good stories in this year’s race. Won the Eider, Bet365 Gold Cup and Scottish National last spring and not surprisingly has struggled off higher marks since. No doubt he will stay but only small.

Following Chambards withdrawal this morning. Run Wild Fred is also out of the Grand National with the field now down to 32 runners.

The 10-year-old horse is trained by Gordon Elliott.