Grand National Winner in 2016 Rule The World. Image: @Channel4Racing

There was no shortage of drama and emotion at a wet and muddy Aintree today, as Rule The World emerged the winner of this year’s Grand National.

The nine year old’s odds were 33-1 going into the race.

Defending champion and favourite Many Clouds finished last, with jockey Leighton Aspell bewildered by his steed’s drop in performance after the second circuit.

RULE THE WORLD (33-1) wins the #GrandNational for trainer Mouse Morris and jockey David Mullins snpy.tv/22kbyeX

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Channel 4 Racing (@Channel4Racing) April 09, 2016

It was a staggering finish for Rule The World who has broken his pelvis twice before, and never won a race over fences until today.

Trainer Mouse Morris, who lost his son last year, triumphed over tragedy in #GrandNational. bbc.in/1RLqFfH https://t.co/203prGIkfn

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BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 09, 2016

For first time Grand National winning trainer Mouse Morris it was a hugely emotional day:

“He was doing overtime for me, poor old Tiff. It’s just Disneyland, fairytale stuff.”

Tiff is the nickname of Morris’ son who tragically died last year in Argentina of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

It was a dream come true for all involved especially jockey David Mullins who won on his Grand National debut.

But he was humbled by his mount’s performance:

“To get the call to ride this horse was amazing. The fact that it is his first win over fences is more amazing than me winning on my first time around.”

One of the race favourites The Last Samuri looked convincing throughout but finished second.

Trainer Kim Bailey spoke of his pride despite being beaten in the dying moments of the race.

#GrandNational "I'm just so proud he's jumped for fun," - Kim Bailey of Last Samuri. 'He's just a baby his year is next year' - owner

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Pirate Irwin (@pirateirwin) April 09, 2016

Although no horses died as a result of today’s final chase, 5 horses have perished over the course of this year’s Grand National event.

The death toll is the highest since 2011.

This has enraged animal rights campaigners who argue that the course is too harsh.