Corach Rambler, ridden by Derek Fox, was competing in the 34-runner Aintree race on Saturday afternoon when stunning scenes unfolded. The horse leapt over the first hurdle but Fox fell off dramatically upon landing. It came as a huge shock given that the Lucinda Russell-trained horse won the championship last year.
Corach Rambler was considered the favourite leading into the race for much of the lead-up to the weekend. He had looked to emulate the likes of Red Rum and Tiger Roll to become a multiple winner of the National. But the day was instead won by Paul Townend, riding I am Maximus to victory.
The Willie Mullins-trained horse clinched an emphatic win, storming clear of his rivals to hand Townend his first triumph. Delta Work finished second with Minella Indo in third, Galvin fourth and Kitty’s Light rounding out the top five. The Grand National is known for being an incredibly challenging four-mile and two-and-a-half furlong race.
It features 30 jumps – 16 fences with 14 of those being jumped twice. Organisers had reduced the number of those taking part from 40 to 34 in an effort to reduce issues during races. The first fence was likewise pushed forward, while the 11th fence was lowered.
