Mr Frisk - fastest ever round the National course

In 1956, Devon Loch was well clear after the last when he famously flopped onto his belly and ESB ran past him to win.

Fittingly, Red Rum made his racecourse debut in 1967 at Aintree as a two-year old the day before the National. He dead-heated for first.

In 1967, only Foinavon managed to avoid a pile-up at the fence after Bechers. He went on to win at 100-1.

Family affair

When Crisp was caught in the last stride by Red Rum in 1973, his jockey was Richard Pitman. Ten years later, his ex-wife Jenny became the first woman to train a winner with Corbiere.

In 1977 the legendary Red Rum came back for an incredible third victory - a feat unparalleled in racing history.

Geraldine Rees became the first female jockey to complete the course riding Cheers in 1982 and Mr Frisk recorded the fastest time ever in 1990.

The 1993 National goes down in history as the "race that never was" when half the field wasn't recalled after a false start and in 1997, a bomb-scare caused the great race to be delayed by two days.

Recent Nationals have seen horses carrying low weights pick up the prize money, which will be �290,000 to this year's winner.