Grand National 2013 – in pictures

The big race is upon us and the racegoers enter the County Stand and file past the huge winners board. Whose name will be added to that board after this year's race? Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

As expected, it's a sell-out and the throng will appreciate the improvement in the weather, it's almost spring-like up at Aintree Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

A group of women study the form ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

As has this chap on the left as he gives a bookie his money. Wonder if he's backed the current favourite Seabass? Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

The runners come out on to the course for the opening race on the day – the Mersey Novices' Hurdle Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Racegoers react at the finish of the race. Maybe they had a flutter on the race winner, 22-1 shot Ubak Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

The packed Aintree Mound watch the horses speed by. The second race of the day, the Maghull Novices' Chase was won by 28-1 shot Special Tiara whilst the third race, the John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle was won by the 9-4 favourite Solwhit Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

And now onto the main event - the 2013 John Smith's Grand National Steeplechase. Due to the new start regulations the horses start a way back from the more visible tape, which means that the 40 runners have to be coaxed into sensible starting positions ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

And then they're off! Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Top weight and ex Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander jumps the Chair ditch Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Mark Grant on board Soll crashes through The Chair Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

The birch flies as horses leap at the Chair Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

At the same fence Harry the Viking with Ryan Mahon on board stumbles whilst Tony McCoy falls off Colbert Station ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

And then does his best to avoid the flying hooves Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Ryan Mania on Auroras Encore jumps the next fence, the Water Jump Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

As does Ballabriggs, the 2011 Grand National winner Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

As the field comes into the final straight, Ryan Mania on Auroras Encore goes clear ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Before passing the finishing post. The 66-1 shot has won the National! Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Ryan Mania celebrates victory Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

The trainer of winner Auroras Encore - Sue Smith (left) with husband, the ex showjumper Harvey Smith (centre), are interviewed by Channel 4's Clare Balding Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Before a celebratory kiss Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Roberto Goldback, who unseated Barry Geraghty at the final fence, gets doused in water after the race Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Winning jockey Ryan Mania kisses the trophy Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer