Red Marauder won the 154th Martell Grand National at Aintree in one of the most gruelling races ever.

The 33-1 shot outpaced Smarty, backed at 16-1, in an amazing race which saw just four horses finish out of a starting field of 40.

Blowing Wind, also 16-1, and last year's winner Papillon, at 14-1, were remounted to finish in third and fourth places respectively.

The field was decimated in the muddy conditions, which made it one of the most demanding races in the Grand National's history.

Durham-based winning jockey Richard Guest said: "I was in two minds whether we should have gone out there really."

Red Marauder's owner/trainer Norman Mason, revealed on the eve of the race that a lot of work had been put into the gelding's jumping at their Brancepath base, near Durham. Mason was quick to pay tribute to his winning jockey: "All the credit goes to Richard. He's a miracle worker and I love him to death.

"I've never had so much emotion in my life. I've never seen a race like that in my life, in my 25 years in racing."

Just seven horses completed the first circuit before a loose horse veered across and brought down Papillon, Blowing Wind, Brave Highlander and Unsinkable Boxer.

Beau fell at the next to leave it a two-horse race before Blowing Wind's and Papillon's jockeys remounted to complete the course.