Grand National first jump, suddenly veered across the leading group at the 23rd, causing them to either stop, refuse or unseat their riders. Racing journalist Lord Oaksey described the resulting pile-up by saying that Popham Down had "cut down the leaders like a row of thistles". Some horses even started running in the wrong direction, back the way they had come. Foinavon, whose owner had such little faith in him that he had travelled to Worcester that day instead, had been lagging some 100 yards behind the leading pack, giving his jockey, John Buckingham, time to steer his mount wide of the
2018 Grand National handed their first National rides on Alpha Des Obeaux and Milansbar respectively. The first fence claimed Perfect Candidate who in turn brought down one of the favourites, Blaklion. I Just Know led the field until falling at Becher's Brook, which also saw Houblon Des Obleaux and Virgilio out of the race. Houblon Des Obeaux's jockey Charlie Deutsch was treated for injuries at the scene, resulting in Becher's being bypassed on the second circuit. Captain Redbeard unseated its rider at the Foinavon fence as Ucello Conti led the field from Double Ross, with The Dutchman, Milansbar and Pleasant Company also prominent.