Waley-Cohen wins Grand National on final ride with Noble Yeats

Amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen bowed out from the saddle in perfect fashion with victory in the Randox Grand National aboard 50/1 outsider Noble Yeats, for his father Robert.

Trained by Emmet Mullins, the seven-year-old held off 15/2 favourite Any Second Now, with Delta Work third and Santini fourth.

In an incident-packed race, defending champion Minella Times and Rachael Blackmore exited early, as did the well-fancied Snow Leopardess.

Noble Yeats was always prominent and stalked the leaders on the inside throughout before delivering a challenge alongside Delta Work and Any Second Now.

Gordon Elliott’s Delta Work faded, leaving a two-way battle up the run-in, with Waley-Cohen and Noble Yeats coming out on top for a fairytale ending to the rider’s career.

‘He ran for me!’ – A fairytale farewell

Waley-Cohen, 39, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Long Run in 2011, announced his intention to retire on Thursday, nominating Emmet Mullins’ charge as his farewell ride in the world’s most famous steeplechase.

The winning rider said: “He ran for me! He couldn’t go the early pace and I just found a pocket to give him a bit of space to run into. As soon as I asked him, he went.”

Asked what he thought as he approached the line, Waley-Cohen said: “I’ve gone too early! When I pulled him out and asked him he gave me way more than I expected. As soon as he picked up I thought: ‘he’s gone, he’s got this!’

“It’s ridiculous. I have to say thanks to Dad as he’s supported me unwaveringly and lovingly when others said: ‘put someone else on’.

“It’s a day Liverpool comes out and shows its love and I travelled on good-will.”

A proud Waley-Cohen senior said: “It’s a dream come true. I can’t speak, I shouted too much! You can’t go round without the horse but the horse can’t get round without the jockey.

“Sam used to ride the National on his rocking horse, that’s how far back it goes!”

Mullins said: “It was a long-term plan and it seems to have come off in the end somehow, I don’t know how!

“We were probably more confident a month ago. The closer we got to it, everyone else seemed to be talking up their chances and we went cold.

“The form behind Ahoy Senor, a Grade One winner yesterday, that was a great run at Wetherby and the performance there (gave us confidence).”

‘A sickener’ for Any Second Now team

Ted Walsh, trainer of the runner-up Any Second Now, who finished third in last year’s contest, said: “To get that close, it’s a sickener, but equally it’s great for the Cohen family, and seeing the father going down the track to meet his son in tears.

“Mark (Walsh, jockey) said he missed the break but that he jumped and travelled well.

“I thought jumping the last he might get there, but the other horse has outstayed us from the elbow.

“I’ve seen a lot happen from the elbow including Crisp getting caught by Red Rum.

“Unfortunately for us the post is another 100 yards away, and that’s where you get paid.”