In a dramatic opening, last year’s winning jockey on Nick Rockett, Patrick Mullins, was unseated on the fancied Grangeclare West at the second fence, before the only mare and second favourite Panic Attack fell at the third.

Ben Jones made his move on Jordans, a 28-1 shot, around the final bend, but Townend stalked the leading pack on I Am Maximus and finally made his burst for the front.

Sixteen of the 34 starting horses completed the race. Mr Vango was walked into an ambulance after falling in the race and was taken to an equine hospital for further tests.

Quai de Bourbon and Top of the Bill were assessed by Aintree vets and were cleared to travel home.

Top of the Bill jockey, Toby McCain-Mitchell, was later banned for 10 days by the stewards for failing to pull up his mount, who was seen to be tiring before falling at the last.

Jockey Robbie Dunne was taken to hospital for assessment after he came off Stellar Story but was said to be conscious and talking.

Elsewhere, trainer Dan Skelton landed wins in four of the day’s seven races at Aintree with Mirabad, Bossman Jack, Mr Hope Street and Forthfactor.

In the second race of the day, Get On George was pulled up and quickly dismounted by Jack Tudor. After being assessed by on-course veterinary experts, the six-year-old had to be humanely euthanised, making it the second death, after Gold Dancer, at this Aintree meeting.