Paul Townend triumphed in the Grand National at Aintree on April 13, 2024, riding I Am Maximus to victory ahead of runners from Ireland including Delta Work and Minella Indo. The race, known for its prestige in the horse racing world, saw I Am Maximus, a 7-1 joint favourite, outpace his rivals by seven and a half lengths. Trainer Willie Mullins and owner JP McManus celebrated notable achievements, with Mullins aiming for the British trainers’ championship following the race. The event featured 32 starters, of whom 21 completed the course, following adjustments made for enhanced safety.

On the same day, Manchester City faced Luton in a Premier League football match at Etihad Stadium. The team, aiming for its fourth consecutive title, played without key players Rodri and Phil Foden, both rested due to tactical decisions and minor health concerns. Kevin De Bruyne returned to the lineup after recovering from illness. The strategic changes by coach Pep Guardiola were part of broader efforts to manage player fitness and team performance.

Also reported was the sentencing of Tyrone Allert to 12 years in prison for kidnapping and attempting to rape a woman in Haringey the previous year. His conviction came after evidence, including mobile phone footage, showed the violent nature of the attack on a woman who had been defending herself within a van. The case underscored ongoing concerns regarding sexual violence and the support needed for victims.

In international crime news, Spanish police announced the arrest of nine suspects linked to a £550 million medicinal cannabis investment scam. The operation, supported by Europol and law enforcement from multiple countries, targeted a gang that had been promising high returns from cannabis cultivation to investors across 35 countries. The arrests followed a series of raids in 2022 that also led to significant asset seizures.

These diverse events highlight significant occurrences in sports, law enforcement, and criminal justice on April 13, 2024.