After weeks of build-up and last-minute form studying, I Am Maximus made Grand National history by emerging victorious from a dramatic race on Saturday.
I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum to regain his crown and win under top weight in a dramatic race at Aintree.
- I Am Maximus: Beginner's Guide to Grand National winner
A late surge in the market saw Dan Skelton's Panic Attack challenge I Am Maximus for the favourite tag for Saturday's big race.
Panic Attack enjoyed a stellar year and looked to suit the step up in trip. However, the 10-year-old mare fell at the third.
I Am Maximus was leading the market for the second year in a row, but a late dip in interest -- perhaps as a result of the coughing that ruled stablemate and last year's winner, Nick Rockett out today -- had seen the 2024 champion drift to odds of around 8-1.
Whatever the result, the near-190-year-old Grand National is a celebration of all things horse racing and it was another corker.
That said, organisers will be hoping all runners made it around safely amid growing criticism from animal rights groups, particularly after Gold Dancer's death after winning on Friday.