RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL 11–13 April
Edited by Jennifer Donald
@jen_donald
Randox Grand National, Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside
YOU need a bit of luck in the Grand National. Everyone knows that. But on this biggest sporting stage of all, this was a triumph of sheer brilliance.
As I Am Maximus surged clear of Minella Indo, the race was no longer a question of chance. That turn of foot, that engine, powering away from the former Gold Cup winner at the end of a marathon test was no fluke. This was a world-class performance in a high-quality field by a special horse and the powerhouse team behind him.
“The Gold Cup is the Gold Cup and Grade Ones are hard to win, but Grand Nationals are a bit different and you need so much luck. I can't believe it. I'm a lucky boy,” said jockey Paul Townend, tasting Grand National victory for the first time on his 13th attempt. “It's what every young boy