What we learned from three fantastic days at Aintree

Russell an angel in the north

Prior to Saturday, Lucinda Russell's biggest success came courtesy of Brindisi Breeze's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle victory, but the Kinross trainer is better known for the mould of her staying chasers.

Old warriors Silver By Nature and Lie Forrit earned a large following but nothing compared to what awaits One For Arthur, the classy eight-year-old who gave Scotland a first Grand National success since 1979.

The National has been good for the northern jumping scene as three of the last seven winners have hailed from the area, but it was still an important achievement for a region short of firepower and lacking investment from owners.

Fantastic Mr Fox

Four weeks ago Derek Fox was nursing a broken wrist and collarbone following a fall at Carlisle. On Saturday, he punched the air as he crossed the Grand National winning line first on One For Arthur.

The determination and bravery of jockeys knows no limits but Fox was quick to praise the role of the team at Jack Berry House for the speed of his recovery.

Interestingly, Fox maintained a trend of National first-timers recording victory, following on from David Mullins (2016 Rule The World), Ryan Mania (2013 Auroras Encore), Liam Treadwell (2009 Mon Mome) and Niall Madden (2006 Numbersixvalverde).

Famous race in rude health

The best result of all following the Grand National was the 40 jockeys and horses returning unscathed. It was the fifth year in a row there have been no equine fatalities and Aintree deserves great credit for improvements in welfare and safety.

The modifications to the Grand National course, which culminated in 2013 with plastic frames introduced into fences and the starting line moved closer to the first fence, have had a positive impact.

While the obstacles might not be as challenging as they once were, the race had to move with the times and remains an unrivalled sporting spectacle.

Fox Norton: now plays the lead in the Tingle Creek at SandownCredit: John Grossick

Robbie's got the power

Robbie Power must be worried he's going to wake up and find it was all a dream. Three weeks on from winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which helped secure the position of retained rider for Alan and Ann Potts, he bagged three Grade 1 victories for his new employers.

He finished the meeting with form figures of 111128 with the eight coming on Regal Encore in the Grand National, a race he won on Silver Birch in 2007.

All of his victories were provided by trainer Colin Tizzard, who roared back to form after his terrific season was in danger of fizzling out.

Trainers' title heading to Lambourn

Nicky Henderson extended his lead over trainers' title rival Paul Nicholls to £330,000, which represents a sizeable lead with only three weeks to go until the end of the season.

Another Grade 1 hurdle one-two with Buveur D'Air and My Tent Or Yours swelled the coffers considerably and further valuable victories were provided by Might Bite and Rather Be.

A first National again proved elusive but with other placed prize-money gained and Nicholls only on the mark with San Benedeto, the Lambourn trainer will be happy with his work in Liverpool. He looks primed to break the Nicholls hegemony, as he did in 2012-13.