Controversy over Grand National start before defending champ Corach Rambler spectacularly unseats at the first

THE Grand National had drama from the word go as heavily-fancied defending champion Corach Rambler unseated at the first fence - saving bookies millions.

That was only after a suspicious standing start, where all the horses seemed to be on the move.

New rules meant the National was meant to begin with all the horses standing at the tape, but that didn't appear to be the case.

That did nothing to take away from the spectacle, though those who backed Corach Rambler would have been cursing their luck.

Last year's winner went off 15-2 with eventual winner I Am Maximus the 7-1 joint alongside Limerick Lace, but Derek Fox would get no further than the first.

Corach Rambler smashed through the first, landed on all fours and flung Fox out of the saddle - leaving those with fancy ante-post prices in tears.

It was a very nasty unseat for Fox, who bumped heads with his horse before crashing to the floor.

Corach Rambler remained on his feet and ran to the second fence, only to fall there on his own accord.

Fortunately he was caught before the third and returned to the stables.

Trainer Lucinda Russell reported her yard star to be in 'perfect' shape despite his mishap.

She said: "We're very pleased and relieved to have him home in one piece and he'll now go on a nice holiday.

"He just seemed to stumble and it's one of those things, but luck was on our side still as he's absolutely fine. He's perfect."

But after that the action really hotted up.

And there was a wall of horses in with a chance heading to the final fence, where Minella Indo forged on under Rachael Blackmore.

The race looked at their mercy, but Paul Townend and I Am Maximus came from seemingly nowhere to pick his pocket.

And 28-1 shot Minella Indo, a former Gold Cup winner, eventually wilted, losing second to plucky Delta Work, who stuck on well at the same price.

However, reacting to the flag drop, one punter said: "That wasn't a standing start."

While another said: "What happened to the standing start then?"

Plenty went onto social media to vent about Corach Rambler too, with one saying: "Corach Rambler had a howler."

Another said: "Can't believe it, so unfortunate for Corach Rambler."

One more added: "Really don't think Corach Rambler wanted to run that National... unshipped Derek Fox at the first then fell again at the second."

The horse was perfectly fine despite the mishap - with no horses or jockeys suffering any injuries throughout the race.

His misstep proved a blessing in disguise for bookies, who had been laying bets on the repeat for 12 months.

Paddy Power's Paul Binfield said his firm were saved a seven-figure payout when Corach unshipped at the first.

He said: "Corach Rambler becoming the last first fence tumble by the previous year’s winner since Hallo Dandy in 1985 saved us over £5million.

"Despite the winner being backed early doors and going off joint favourite, he became a better result as the day went on with a good spread of cash.

";The bookies have enjoyed a decent result."

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