Derek Fox won the Grand National for the second time as he guided the 8/1 pre-race favourite Corach Rambler to the 2023 Grand National.
Before the starting orders had been set, there was drama at Aintree as animal rights protestors made their way onto the famous course and attempted to attach themselves to fences. Ultimately, the showpiece was delayed by around 15 minutes with police making several arrests and quickly assessing the course was safe for all involved.
Once things got underway, Corach Rambler and Fox were happy to stick in the pack with Mister Coffey doing much of the running before he faded over the final fences.
The two-time Cheltenham Festival winner was travelling supremely away from the front and when Fox decided to move, Corach Rambler made its way through the field before taking the lead on the final fence. Vanillier pushed hard for the line, but came second by around two-and-a-quarter lengths.
Trainer Lucinda Russell, who along with Fox won the National with One for Arthur in 2017, told ITV Racing: "He just loved the fences. It is very personal this one. I will always remember One for Arthur, he was a brilliant horse, but this was very special.
"This is such an advert for syndicate ownership. It is fantastic, fairytale stuff. They have got themselves a very, very good horse. He is a very intelligent horse and when he jumped the last I just felt he would win.
"Derek Fox was very close to not making the ride. He had a terrible fall, hurt his shoulder again. I am so pleased he was on it because he knows Corach so well. He is a fabulous jockey."
Rachel Blackmore was strongly backed by punters on Ain't That A Shame, and at one point looked to be making a charge, only to finish in 17th by the time the race had ended.
It was a race that at one point looked under serious threat, with Merseyside Police arresting 23 people in total. For much of the day, protests had remained peaceful, until at around 5pm when a number made their way onto the course. "Just after 5pm a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry on to the course," a Merseyside Police spokesperson said.
"The majority were prevented from breaching the boundary fencing but the nine individuals who managed to enter the course were later arrested by officers. We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but criminal behaviour and disorder will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly."
Sadly, there were some injuries during the race, with Hill Sixteen sadly suffering a fatal one: "Sadly, while racing in the Grand National, Hill Sixteen sustained an unrecoverable injury. Our sincere sympathies are with connections," a Jockey Club spokesperson confirmed.
"Recite A Prayer and Cape Gentleman were assessed on course by our skilled veterinary staff and walked onto the horse ambulance for further assessment in the stables."
Full Grand National 2023 results
1. Corach Rambler
2. Vanillier
3. Gallard du Mensil
4. Noble Yeats
5. The Big Dog
6. Born By The Sea
7. Roi Mage
8. Mister Coffey
9. A Wave Of The Sea
10. Le Milos
11. Our Power
12. Enjoy D'allen
13. Fortescue
14. Carefully Selected
15. Minella Trump
16. Francky Du Berlais
17. Ain't That A Shame
Fallers
Sam Brown
Hill Sixteen
Fury Road
The Big Breakaway
Pulled up
Any Second Now
Back On The Lash
Coko Beach
Dunboyne
Cape Gentleman
Capodanno
Velvet Elvis
Unseated rider
Delta Work
Darasso
Cloudy Glen
Diol Ker
Eva's Oskar
Galvin
Longhouse Poet
Lifetime Ambition
