[2] Champion jockey John Francome was booked but he was then ruled out through injury, the ride going instead to Paul Barton, with his partner in victory, Dick Saunders having retired.

[2] Barton kept the favourite in the front rank throughout the race, surviving a jumping error at the fence before Becher's Brook second time to remain in contention, never more than a few lengths behind the leader.

[2] Kevin Mooney took the ride but was never able to get his mount into the race and they were well adrift by the time other horses stopped in front of him and caused them to refuse at the twentieth fence.

Peaty Sandy was a former Welsh National winner, although beaten third in the race the previous Christmas[4] but his quality ensured he went off at 12/1 as the best backed horse ever trained by a woman.

[2] Jenny Pitman's horse was ridden by Ben De Haan who took his mount into the front rank from the start and disputed the lead with Hallo Dandy from the twentieth to twenty-eighth fences before kicking on.

Taking a clear lead from the penultimate flight, Corbiere looked to have the race won at the elbow before having to fend off a late challenge from Greasepaint to ensure his victory.

Amateur, Colin Magnier was among thirteen riders making their National debut[6] and almost timed his run to perfection, just falling short to finish second.

[7][8] The BBC broadcast the race live on Television for the twenty-fourth consecutive year, as part of its regular Saturday afternoon Grandstand programme.

[9] For the twelfth consecutive year, the commentary team consisted of John Hanmer, Julian Wilson and lead commentator, Peter O'Sullevan who was calling his thirty-eighth Grand National on Radio or Television.