THE Grand National was delayed by 15 minutes after protestors stormed the track.
A huge police presence moved swiftly to bring the chaotic situation under control after some protesters were seen being led away from the track in handcuffs.
PAProtestors were successful in delaying the start of the Grand National[/caption]
AFPPolice on the scene quickly rounded up the protestors[/caption]
PAThe protestors – who donned pink shirts – were eventually put in handcuffs[/caption]
PAThey were eventually carted off by the Bobbies on the scene[/caption]
Incredibly, footage showed brave locals helping police contain the protesters, whose plan was revealed by a newspaper in the days leading up to the world’s most famous race.
Protesters were trying to glue and handcuff themselves to the fences.
Footage showed police rushing to contain the scene – and it looks like they were successful with the race going ahead.
ITV host Ed Chamberlin said the protesters got onto the track at the very far side of the racecourse.
Ladders were thrown over the security fencing and live footage showed protesters in pink T-shirts being led away in handcuffs.
Protesters and cops were shown clashing in front of a worldwide telly audience of around 600 million people.
But at 5.17pm – two minutes after the race was meant to start – jockeys posed for the traditional pre-race photo, indicating it was due to start.
And 5.25pm all the horses were out on track and ready for the start of the race.
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Police should be commended for their efforts to control the protesters and keep the event running for the tens of thousands in the crowd.
The 2023 National was well and truly worth the wait, with drama from the very first hurdle.
Several horses fell early doors, much to the frustration of several betting punters.
The Lucinda Russell trained Corach Ramble strode to victory after eventually breaking free of the pack.
AFPCorach Rambler strode to victory at Aintree[/caption]
And winning jockey Derek Fox – who has won the Grand National twice – was blown away by the Scottish stallion.
He said: “He is just a phenomenal horse.
“I can’t believe it. He normally gets his head up a wee bit but today he travelled everywhere.
“He is the cleverest horse. He is so intelligent.”