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The Grand National winner Neptune Collanges became the first grey horse to win the world-famous steeplechase since 1961 but the event was again marred by controversy.
Two horses were destroyed after suffering fractures from falls at the Bechers Brook, a notorious fence that has claimed the lives of more horses than any other at Aintree.
Before the race began Synchronised, ridden by jockey AP McCoy, was a favourite to finish in the top three but the horse bolted just before the 4:15pm start on Saturday.
McCoy was unseated but was not injured and had to be taken to the spooked Cheltenham Gold Cup winning horse who had cantered down the track.
After starting the race and reaching Becher's Brook, Synchronised fell suffering a fractured leg and was destroyed.
The second victim of the infamous fence was According to Pete.
Vets discovered the horse had a broken neck and was put down.
The 165th Grand National was one of the most dramatic in its history and a photo-finish kept racegoers anxious for a further three-and-a-half minutes after the race ended.
The winner was Neptune Collange, ridden by Daryl Jacob, who beat Sunnyhillboy, ridden by Richie McLernon, by a nose after a nail-biting neck and neck bolt to the finish line.
The grey's owner John Hales was elated after winning his first Grand National out of 52 meetings.
But for the last furlong it looked as though 27 year-old Katie Walsh, brother of Ruby, who rode Hedgehunter to glory in 2005, was heading for the title of the first female winner.
But on the last fence Walsh, on Seabass, were overtaken by the first and second place winners who made for a remarkable end to a day fraught with excitement and tragedy.
Despite improved measures to ensure the saftey of horses two horses died and another two, Killyglen and Weird Al, were being treated for injuries sustained in the race.
Almost £250,000 was spent by Aintree Officials after public outcry over the deaths of Dooney's Gate, at Becher's Brook, and Ornais.
The review ordered changes to three fences that have claimed half of horses since 1990.
But Becher's Brook remains a notorious fence because of its size on the approach and a 6ft 9in drop on the landing side.
Thirty-five horses have died at Aintree since 2005.
Gavin Grant, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: "The death of two horses at the Grand National, bringing the total to three at the Aintree meeting, is totally unacceptable.
"This is the second year running that two horses have died.
"In it’s current format the risks to horses are not appropriate and we want an urgent examination of the Grand National, including a number of fences including Becher’s Brook where horses are continuing to die despite safety improvements."
Animal welfare campaigners are united in grief and are putting pressure on organisers of one of the greatest sporting institutions in the world.
A spokesperson from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said: "The only surefire bet at the Grand National is that of all the losers, it's the horses who lose the most.
"Synchronised and According to Pete are just the latest in a long list of horses to suffer a premature death courtesy of the horse-racing industry.
"The thoroughbreds forced to take part in the Grand National are accidents waiting to happen.
"Their legs are too long and fragile, they're forced to run while still young and growing and they're whipped and pushed literally to the breaking point.
"Many of the ones who survive to the end of their racing days are then discarded like used betting slips, cast off to be killed, butchered and sold off piece by piece.
"The Grand National is a national disgrace."
The Aintree management said they were saddened by the deaths of the horses but insisted that there is always risk involved in any sporting event.
Julian Thick, managing director of Aintree Racecourse, said: "We are desperately sad at these two accidents and our sympathies are with the connections of both horses.
"When a horse gets hurt, everyone is deeply upset.
"Safety is the first priority for the organisers of the Grand National and we make every effort to ensure that everyone involved in the event is able to participate in safety.
"Horse racing is a sport that is very carefully regulated and monitored by the British Horseracing Authority but risk can never be completely removed.
"After today, we will, as always, be looking at all aspects of the race to see how we can improve safety further."
Adding to the drama Jockey Noel Fehily was taken to hospital to be treated for a suspected broken leg after falling from State of Play at the fifth fence.
Over the three-day race meeting 16 arrests were made by Merseyside Police who hailed their operation as a success.
Temporary Chief Superintendent Julie Cooke said: "Despite the high number of race-goers there have only been 16 arrests.
" I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, including those who worked the festival, for helping to make this a safe and enjoyable occasion."
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