Tiger Roll overcome 10-1 odds to win the Aintree classic in a nail-biting final furlong, delaying hopes of the first ever female Grant National winner.
The three-time Cheltenham Festival winner faced odds of 10-1, pipping 25-1 shot Pleasant Company to the post who led for much of the race.
Jockey Davy Russell is set to collect the £500,000 jackpot, with Bless The Wings ridden by Jack Kennedy coming in at third.
Speaking after the emotional final dash, he said: ‘What can I say, he has jumped absolutely brilliant. This horse is as tough as nails. I just don’t know what to say.
‘I have won this race 100 times in my head and my dreams as a child. I love it so much, I’ve been coming here for years and have been satisfied to go away not winning because it’s such a marvellous event.’
Davy Russell’s mount held off a determined effort from Pleasant Company to win the Aintree classic
Tiger Roll fought off a desperate attempt from Pleasant Company to win in a photo-finish
Katie Walsh, Bryony Frost and Rachael Blackmore on the racecourse 2018 Randox Health Grand National Festival
Katie Walsh and Baie Des Iles on the racecourse on the morning of Ladies Day
Gordon Elliott’s eight-year-old landed his third Cheltenham Festival success in the Cross-Country Chase last month, to go with previous victories in the Triumph Hurdle and National Hunt Chase, and was among the market principals for the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Russell cut a confident figure throughout the four-and-a-quarter-mile contest on the 10-1 shot and cruised to the front in the home straight.
But just when he looked to have victory sewn up, the Willie Mullins-trained Pleasant Company, who had been ridden prominently and jumped boldly, came with a late rattle to almost join him on the line.
However, after a brief wait the judge confirmed Tiger Roll the narrow winner.
Bless The Wings, the winner’s stablemate was third, and Anibale Fly was fourth, as Irish runners dominated.
A total of 38 horses took part with 70,000 fans watching anxiously from the sidelines at the historic Aintree racecourse.
Conditions were set to favour two of the three runners ridden by female jockeys – Baie Des Iles, the mount of Katie Walsh, and Milansbar, ridden by Bryony Frost.
Rachael Blackmore, who rides Alpha Des Obeaux, was the other female jockey in the race.
Baie Des Iles, a 50-1 shot early in the week, was backed down to 16-1.
Walsh, who achieved the best finish for a female rider in the race when third on Seabass in 2012, said: ‘I’m realistic. Anything could happen. It could be over in a flash. I would just like a good stab at it.
‘I’m loving the rain. My mare loves a bit of soft ground.’
David Steven of Coral added: ‘The odds suggest there has never been a greater chance of a first Grand National win for a female jockey and Baie Des Iles is the outcome we most fear.’
The three horses pulled out yesterday were top weight Minella Rocco, Beeves and Vicente.
Their places have been taken by reserves Delusionofgrandeur, Thunder And Roses and Walk In The Mill.
Anibale Fly and Blaklion are the joint bookies’ favourites for the 2018 showpieces.
David Steven of Coral said: ‘The odds suggest there has never been a greater chance of a first Grand National win for a female jockey and Baie Des Iles is the outcome we most fear.’
The three horses pulled out yesterday were top weight Minella Rocco, Beeves and Vicente.
Their places have been taken by reserves Delusionofgrandeur, Thunder And Roses and Walk In The Mill.
As jockeys prepare for the biggest race of the year, the party was in full swing for women and men at the Merseyside racecourse.
Victory! Racegoers cheer at the final day of the Grand National in co-ordinated suits and pretty dresses
Racing enthusiasts cheer on horses at the final day of the Grand National
Two ladies smile as they enjoy a drink next to the Parade Ring
Horsing around! A man dons a bright yellow suit and horse mask at Aintree Racecourse ahead of the Randox Health Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase
Racegoers enjoy the sun on the hottest day of the year at the famous racecourse
Many of the revellers donned fancy dress for their big day out
Social racegoers enjoy a coffee ahead of today’s racing 2018
While the festival is all about horse racing, others were keen to cause a diversion by showing off their dance moves, flaunting their figures and cheekily playing up to the cameras.
In their best dress, revellers chugged beer, straddled toy horses and some were even stumbling as they cheered on their horses.
Stylish punters looked in high spirits as they headed to the stands to watch the most important event in the horse racing calendar – with tensions building amid speculation that a female jockey could win the race for the first time.
Dressed to impress! The group that come every year in matching costumes wear yellow and black checked suits
Police patrol the course on quad bikes during the final Grand National Day of the 2018
A lady polishes the Grand National trophy that’s protected by Queen’s Guard soldiers
Put your bets on! Women tottering in heels place their bets ahead of the big race
Bottoms up! Racegoers drink Moet champagne as they enjoy the hottest day of the year at the Grand National
Police of quad bikes patrol the Earl of Derby stand at Aintree Racecourse
Armed police on patrol at the busy event
Say cheese! A woman in a pink dress and white fascinator takes a picture of the crowd
Guests begin to arrive 2018 Randox Health Grand National Festival
One racegoer pairs a bright yellow dress with black open toe heels and a navy hat at the Liverpool racecourse
A group of friends in monochrome get ready to watch the historic races
Signage advertising Peaky Blinders clothing during Grand National
Racegoers smile as they walk around Aintree in their colourful best dress
Flowery dresses were a trend at this year’s Aintree with women wearing a range of colours and patterns
The odds change throughout the day as the weather changes
A bookie updates the odds for the Grand National race during Grand National Day of the 2018
Female racegoers wear black and white to enjoy the final day of racing
Revellers walk the racecourse at Aintree ahead of the Grand National race