Police said they had arrested 118 people on suspicion of offences including criminal damage and causing public nuisance after protesters sought to scale the perimeter fence and access the track to prevent the 40 horses from starting the race.
Officers were seen pinning some protesters in pink tops to the ground while others were pulled from ladders. Television footage showed a few protesters making it on to the track and trying to attach themselves to a fence, before being dragged away by officers.
The race eventually started 14 minutes after its scheduled time, with the arrival of the jockeys prompting a huge roar from the vast crowd.
"Just after 5pm a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry to the course," Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said. "The majority were prevented from breaching the boundary fencing thanks to our planning and the work of my officers.
"I can confirm a total of 118 people have been arrested today."
Favourite Corach Rambler, ridden by Derek Fox, stormed to victory in the race, followed by Vanillier (2nd) and Gaillard Du Mesnil (3rd). Last year's winner Noble Yeats was fourth.
Animal rights protesters say the Grand National exploits animals for entertainment and can lead to the death of horses.
On Saturday, one horse, Hill Sixteen, was put down after a heavy fall at the first fence with screens being erected and the field waved around on the second circuit.
A Jockey Club spokesperson offered condolences after confirming Hill Sixteen had sustained "an unrecoverable injury".
Two other horses -- Recite A Prayer and Cape Gentleman -- were being assessed by veterinary staff.
Hill Sixteen was the third horse to die at this year's three-day festival, after four in 2022.
Dark Raven fell in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle on Saturday and Envoye Special was put down after the Foxhunters' Chase on Thursday.
