There was a shock at the very first hurdle in the Grand National as Corach Rambler suffered a nasty fall. The 2023 winner tumbled badly with Derek Fox thrown into the air, the jockey going head over heels after he hit the deck.

The Irish-bred thoroughbred had been considered one of the favourites to prevail again this time around, with bookies quoting odds as short of 5-1 ahead of the race. And the famous Aintree roar that greets the opening stages was still in full swing when his challenge ended before it had essentially begun.

The race was eventually won by joint-favourite I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend. And it meant another chapter in the legacy of legendary trainer Willie Mullins.

Delta Work was second, and Minella Indo was ridden to third by Rachael Blackmore. But afterwards there was as much concern for Corach Rambler from racing fans as there was reaction to the result.

“Hope Corach Rambler is ok,” wrote @MRacing19. @TheMadMidlander added: “Corach Rambler unseating at the first was a shock after last year’s win.” While @Ellen_Handy asked: “Do we know if Corach Rambler is alright? Didn’t see him after he unseated at the first?”

Any fears were soon downplayed on ITV though, with commentator Richard Hoiles saying: “So the jockey club have been in touch and all the horses are ok, jockeys likewise.”

Unlike last year, when the start of the race was delayed by several minutes due to protests from the Just Stop Oil group, there was no disruption this time around. Overall, 21 of the 32 starters finished.

The field was reduced by two runners before the race even began though, with Chambard and Run Wild Fred both confirmed as non-runners. Both horses were pronounced as lame.