Grand National 2023 result: Corach Rambler wins at Aintree after protest delay
- Published
Derek Fox had to pass a doctor's check before taking the ride on Corach Rambler
Corach Rambler won the Grand National at Aintree after the start was delayed by protesters getting on to the track.
The 8-1 favourite was ridden by Derek Fox for Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell, six years after they teamed up to win with One For Arthur.
Vanillier was second, Gaillard Du Mesnil third and last year's winner Noble Yeats fourth.
Police made 118 arrests after animal rights protests in and around Aintree. The race was delayed by 14 minutes.
Television pictures appeared to show some protesters making it on to the course and trying to attach themselves to a fence, before being removed by police.
The race started at 17:29 BST, having been scheduled to begin at 17:15.
Nine protesters managed to enter the course and were arrested
Corach Rambler was kept out of trouble throughout the race, jumped into the lead over the last fence and held off a closing Vanillier to become only the third Scottish-trained winner in the 175th running of the famous race.
"Those guys that went out to protest on the course, they think it's about horse welfare but that horse loves the sport," said Russell.
"He loves everything that he does. He's kept in the best condition and I'm just so delighted that he can run in a race like that and perform like that."
Fox returned from injury to ride in the race, just as he had when winning in 2017 on One For Arthur, who died from colic three weeks ago.
"He's an electric jumper and he's so intelligent," he said of Corach Rambler. "He was in front for a long time but he won so easily. He's a marvellous horse."
Owned by The Ramblers syndicate, Corach Rambler was bought for £17,000 in November 2020 and has gone on to become a two-time winner of the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Seventeen of the 39 runners completed the course, but Hill Sixteen died after falling at the first fence. It was the third equine fatality of the meeting.
"Sadly, while racing in the Grand National, Hill Sixteen sustained an unrecoverable injury. Our sincere sympathies are with connections," said a Jockey Club spokesperson.
"Recite A Prayer and Cape Gentleman were assessed on course by our skilled veterinary staff and walked on to the horse ambulance for further assessment in the stables."
On his final day in the saddle, jockey Davy Russell came down at the first aboard Galvin.
'The right horse has won' - analysis
Fox and Russell celebrate their second Grand National success
Radio 5 Live Grand National commentator John Hunt
I am so pleased that out of all that drama the right horse has won the Grand National. He was even more impressive than he was when winning at the Cheltenham Festival.
A beautiful ride as well by Derek Fox to get Corach Rambler home.
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