Mac Tottie, who was pulled up, was treated by vets but was cleared to return to trainer Peter Bowen’s yard. There were no concerns about any other runners.

Of the 32 starters, 21 horses completed the race – the highest number across the finish line since 1992.

Rachael Blackmore looked like she might secure a second National win as Minella Indo challenged, while Kitty’s Light finished fifth for Welsh trainer Christian Williams, whose young daughter Betsy is being treated for leukaemia.

Sixth went to amateur jockey David Maxwell, riding Ain’t That A Shame, a horse he bought earlier this year and a purchase which enabled him to ride in the race for the first time.

But it was the team of Mullins, Townend and owner JP McManus who triumphed as I Am Maximus led home an Irish 1-2-3-4.

At the 13th attempt, Townend claimed his first National win while it was a second for Mullins after Hedgehunter in 2005 and McManus’ third triumph following Don’t Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021).

It follows last month’s Cheltenham wins for Townend and Mullins in the Champion Hurdle with State Man and Galopin Des Champs’ successful Gold Cup defence.

The other 7-1 joint-favourite, Limerick Lace, also owned by McManus, was hoping to become the first mare to win the race since Nickel Coin in 1951, but made a couple of early mistakes and drifted to the back of the field, eventually finishing 10th.

Victory means Mullins is now favourite to win the British trainers’ championship, which concludes at the end of this month.

“Aintree is the first race you see, it’s the first race everyone in racing wants to see. Fantastic stuff, you just couldn’t make it up,” said Mullins.

Last year’s race had been delayed by 14 minutes after animal rights activists entered the track, but there was no disruption this time.

The number of runners had been reduced from a maximum of 40 following a safety review.

Other safety measures included a standing start for the race, which went off at the first time of asking, a reduction in height to one of the fences and added foam and rubber toe boards on every fence.