Good morning Grand National fans
The Grand National Festival at Aintree got off to a blinding start as fans were back in attendance for the first time since 2019 when the covid pandemic struck.
There was seven races for horse racing fans to get stuck into, with the first race starting at 1.45pm and the last race concluding at 5.15pm.
And fans were given an enthralling spectacle throughout the day.
Millers Bank took the opener at 7-1 for jockey Kielan Woods and trainer Alex Hales.
The second race was a dead heat between 10-11 Pied Piper and 14-1 Knight Salute, but incredibly, Knight Salute was named the winner after a steward’s enquiry.
Sir Alex Ferguson emerged victorious in the third clash with his horse Clan Des Obeaux who rode to a rousing win at 13-2.
Fergie couldn’t resist revelling in his win in Liverpool, the home of Man United’s fierce rival.
And when discussing victory after the race, Fergie quipped: “Always good to win here, Mind, we’re not used to it.”
After Fergie’s success, Epatante at 2-1 won the Betway Aintree hurdle race – which was her seventh Grade 1.
But the fourth race was filled with drama as Zanahiyr fell at the final hurdle.
And Zanahiyr’s fall caused Guard Your Dreams’ rider Sam Twiston-Davies to also become unseated.
Luckily, there were no injuries from the collision at the final hurdle.
Late Night Pass 7-2 went onto win the fifth clash at the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase.
While victory at The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase belonged to The Last Day 12-1.
An epic day of racing was rounded off with the seventh and final Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open.
And that was won by second-favourite Ashroe Diamond 9-4.
But the biggest shock of the race was that the top four consisted of outsiders Lutinebella 50-1, and Malina Jamila 125-1 who finished the proceedings in third and fourth place respectively.
Supporters can brace themselves for another day of thrills and spills tomorrow when the action continues before concluding on Saturday.
Friday’s events will also consist of seven races that will take place between 1.45pm to 5.15pm.