Relive Grand National as I Am Maximus triumphs at Aintree

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

I Am Maximus jockey Paul Townend, speaking to ITV: "He got a little fright in the race but he got his confidence back. I thought he'd pick up for me and he duly obliged. It was very special and he was very brave. It's unique, it hasn't really set in. It's what every young boy with a pony wants to do."

I Am Maximus trainer Willie Mullins, speaking to ITV: "I was more confident looking at Paul's [Townend] body language. I thought he was a little bit far back and he was rubbing the fences but Paul's body language told me he's happy.

"Aintree is the first race you see, it's the first race everyone in racing wants to see. Fantastic stuff, you just couldn't make it up."

PA MediaCopyright: PA Media

What an afternoon as trainer Willie Mullins continued his dominant jump-racing season.

I Am Maximus owner JP McManus, speaking to ITV: "I love everything about the race. I love Liverpool, I love coming here. It's a very special race amongst special people."

PA MediaCopyright: PA Media

Two-time Grand National winning jockey, Ruby Walsh, speaking to ITV: "It's an incredible feeling to win but Paul Townend gave it a brilliant ride. He sets the standard and he is the Irish champion. Him, Jack Kennedy and Rachael Blackmore are brilliant ambassadors for the the sport and brilliant people."

Incredible story! Ain't That A Shame, owned and ridden by 45-year-old David Maxwell who bought the horse to fulfil a lifetime's ambition and compete in the race - finished SIXTH.

Christian Williams, trainer of Kitty's Light, tells ITV: "It was great, wonderful. The horse tried its heart out and the children cheered him on."

Daughter Betsy adds that she's really proud.

Two-time Grand National winner, Ruby Walsh, speaking to ITV: "Mr Incredible was really reluctant to start but unfortunately he is Mr Unreliable. Corach Rambler overjumps the first and Derek was over his ears. Not like him.

"Delta Work was never too far away from I Am Maximus and Minella Indo too, they're the first three home.

"What was great to watch was the space all of the riders gave each other.

"Noble Yeats never really going. It's his third attempt of the race but he'll have another day. Mahler Mission also never really got into a flow."

2024 - I Am Maximus

2023 - Corach Rambler

2022 - Noble Yeats

2021 - Minella Times

2020 - no race

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

2019 - Tiger Roll

2018 - Tiger Roll

2017 - One For Arthur

2016 - Rule The World

2015 - Many Clouds

The Jockey Club says that all horses and riders have returned safely after the Grand National.

However, Mac Tottie, who was pulled up and immediately dismounted by jockey James Bowen, did require treatment on the course but walked into the horse ambulance and will receive more treatment at the stables.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Owner JP McManus and his hordes of grandchildren step up to take the winning trophy. It's the third time he has won the big one.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins to ITV: "Paul Townend was super on him, the horse wasn't giving him a lot of help. We saw last year in the Irish Grand National we had supreme confidence in the horse that he had a bit in the tank. He was biding his time and he delivered.

"I didn't say anything until the last fence but then I let go. I love it, I'm buzzing, it's huge. As far as I know all of our team are back in good order so I'm very happy with that."

PA MediaCopyright: PA Media

There were no fallers in the race, with 21 of the 32 starters finishing the race.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Drink it in...

An Irish 1, 2, 3, 4 at Aintree.

Two-time Grand National winning jockey Ruby Walsh, speaking to ITV: "Delta Work, Minella Indo, Kitty's Light have been to all of the big races and it's great to see them here."

Kitty's Light was fifth - what a wonderful story that has been, and will bring in some each-way money for many I'm sure.

Delta Work, who came second, is 11 years old and finished third in the National back in 2022. What a superb race!

Winning jockey Paul Townend on ITV Racing: "What an unbelievable race and an unbelievable horse. It is a bit surreal, to be honest.

"I ended up being first to the first and got to the Melling Road and he backed back.

"He got careful on the second circuit but I was trying to conserve energy. I didn’t get the clearest run between the second-last and last.

"I had the ones in front of me in my sights and he responded like I thought he would

"Gold Cups and Grade Ones are special but Grand Nationals are different. You need so much luck. I am a lucky boy."

ReutersCopyright: Reuters