I Am Maximus won this year’s Grand National – and not a single horse fell during this year’s event.
Two thirds (21 of 32) finished the race, with the horse ridden by Paul Townend crossing the line first.
Seven horses were stopped and four dismounted their riders, but none fell, an Aintree spokesman said. It comes after organizers made a number of changes to increase security.
Changes included reducing the number of competitors, a standing start, shortening one of the fences and adding foam and rubber skirting boards to all fences.
Additionally, this year’s race was held earlier at 4pm, which organizers hoped would “ensure ideal conditions”.
Last year’s race was postponed after protesters entered the track.
I’m Maximus and Paul Townend jump in the chair. Photo: PA
The Jockey Club, which runs the course, said the changes were “data-driven” and followed analysis of recent Grand Nationals.
The protests had no influence, he added.
“A horse may not have died during this race, but one is killed every two days in British racing,” said Animal Rising’s Orla Coghlan.
Her protest group wants to consign horse racing “to the history books,” she added.
Read more:
World’s oldest Siamese twins die
Five people arrested after police discover ‘human remains’
Paul Townend (right) and trainer Willie Mullins. Photo: PA
The race itself was hailed as one of the best ever.
“It was a wonderful finish,” said retired jockey Sir AP McCoy.
“I’ve never seen so many horses in with a chance of winning the Grand National so late in the race. What an incredible race – simply a brilliant spectacle.”
Keep up with the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Ruby Walsh, who has won the Grand National twice, said: “If this doesn’t convince people that this is a wonderful sport, then I don’t know what will.”
Corach Rambler, last year’s winner, unseated jockey Derek Fox at the first fence.
The “unfortunate fall” saved bookmaker Paddy Power more than £5 million, spokesman Paul Binfield said.
He added: “The winner was identified by many punters, but despite this, the bookmakers had a result.”
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
