It’s two Grand Nationals in a row for cool Leighton Aspell

LEIGHTON ASPELL made it back-to-back wins in the Crabbie’s Grand National when partnering 25-1 shot Many Clouds to victory in front of a 72,000 sell-out crowd at Aintree.

Leighton Aspell saw off AP McCoy to take the victory in the Grand NationalGETTY

Leighton Aspell saw off AP McCoy to take the victory in the Grand National

Aspell, who famously returned from retirement to win last year’s race on Pineau De Re, matched the feat of Brian Fletcher, the last jockey to win consecutive races on Red Rum in 1973 and 74.

Saint Are, ninth in the 2013 National, stayed on late to snatch second place.

Former England rugby international Mike Tindall and his wife Zara Phillips were over the moon with the performance of their runner Monbeg Dude, who finished third.

Alvarado made it fourth place for the second successive year.

A fairytale victory had looked on the cards for Tony McCoy and Shutthefrontdoor. But the 6-1 favourite ruined his chances by pulling too hard and consequently finished fifth.

Winning trainer Oliver Sherwood admitted he did not think the horse was ready for the Aintree showpiece.

He said: “It’s all down to the horse’s owner Trevor Hemmings. It was his decision to run. It was not mine as I thought it was a year too soon.”

There will be some celebrations tonight

Leighton Aspell

Unlike Sherwood, whose previous four runners in the race had failed to complete the course, Hemmings was celebrating a third victory.

He said: “Owner Noel le Mare won the National three times with the same horse Red Rum and I’ve done it with three different horses.

“This race has captured my heart. All I can say is thank you Oliver, Leighton and Aintree racecourse.”

Jockey Aspell, who enjoyed a trouble-free run, said: “There will be some celebrations tonight.

“He’s all heart and gave me the best ride I ever had over these fences.”

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