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 by a head. There were no fatalities, although Saint Are was treated by veterinarians after being brought down at The Chair. A few days later, Saint Are's retirement from racing was announced. Jockey Charlie Deutsch was kicked in the back by a horse following his fall at Becher's Brook, but recovered and rode a winner at Plumpton the following day. Twelve runners completed the course as follows: The runners who failed to complete were as follows: As the Grand National is accorded the status of an event of national interest in the United Kingdom and is listed on the Ofcom