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Tiger Roll hangs on to win Grand National thriller at Aintree

Tiger Roll just edges out Pleasant Company to win the Grand National at Aintree
Image: Tiger Roll just edges out Pleasant Company to win the Grand National at Aintree

Tiger Roll and Davy Russell held on to claim a dramatic victory in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree.

Gordon Elliott's eight-year-old landed his third Cheltenham Festival success in the Cross-Country Chase last month, to go with previous victories in the Triumph Hurdle and National Hunt Chase, and was among the market principals for the world's most famous steeplechase.

Russell cut a confident figure throughout the four-and-a-quarter-mile contest on the 10/1 shot and cruised to the front in the home straight.

But just when he looked to have victory sewn up, the Willie Mullins-trained Pleasant Company, who had been ridden prominently and jumped boldly, came with a late rattle to almost join him on the line.

However, after a brief wait, the judge confirmed Tiger Roll the narrow winner by a head.

Grand National - full finishing order
Grand National - full finishing order

See where the 38 runners finished at Aintree and where your money went.

Bless The Wings, the winner's stablemate was third, and Anibale Fly was fourth, as Irish runners dominated.

Bryony Frost, riding in the race for the first time, fared best of the three female jockeys, coming home fifth aboard the Neil King-trained Milansbar.

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Russell dedicated his victory to leading Flat jockey Pat Smullen, who was diagnosed with a tumour last month.

Davy Russell celebrates his Grand National victory on Tiger Roll
Image: Davy Russell celebrates his Grand National victory on Tiger Roll

He told ITV Racing: "I was afraid he wouldn't take to it as he's very economical with his jumping. They've done a marvellous job with this horse.

"This one is for Pat Smullen. I was speaking to him the other morning and he's as tough as nails. I really don't know what to say."

Elliott, who launched his career when Silver Birch became his first ever winner as a trainer in the 2007 Grand National, added: "It's unbelievable. Tiger Roll is a yard favourite. It's great for the yard, for Gigginstown (House Stud, owners), for everyone.

Davy Russell rides Tiger Roll clear after the last to win the Grand National at Aintree
Image: Russell rides Tiger Roll clear after the last

"I was nervous. I thought I had it, but you're so nervous watching it.

"I said I didn't appreciate the first time round. I'm definitely going to appreciate it now. It's great for my family and everyone at home.

"He's an unbelievable horse. I was fighting with Michael O'Leary telling him to keep this horse at Gigginstown when he retires and he said he wasn't good enough. He'd better keep him now!"

He added: "At one point I said he wasn't good enough and at one point retirement was an option, but I'm very lucky to be training for the O'Learys.

Winning Jockey Davy Russell, owner Michael O'Leary (right), trainer Gordon Elliott (left) and Anita O'Leary after winning the Randox Health Grand National Handicap Chase with Tiger Roll
Image: Tiger Roll's connections (from l-r), trainer Gordon Elliott, Anita O'Leary, jockey Davy Russell and owner Michael O'Leary

"It's unbelievable for Davy Russell. He's lost his mother and I'm sure his father Gerry is very proud at home watching. He had a new baby last week, too.

"Coming here I was really worried about the ground. All the way round I couldn't believe how he was going."

Willie Mullins was coming up narrowly short in his bid to win a second Grand National. He previously struck gold with Hedgehunter in 2005.

He said: "That's twice Gordon has done that to me, he did it in the Irish National too! He (Pleasant Company) seemed to get a little bit tired and then get a second wind.

"I never actually thought he'd got back up, but he ran a fantastic race. He jumped from fence to fence and you couldn't ask for any better.

"He was only beaten a head and at the last fence I thought we were going to be beaten eight or 10 lengths. I'm really proud of him, he jumped fantastic and he's one for next year."

Tiger Roll's jockey Davy Russell (left) and Pleasant Company's jockey David Mullins after finishing first and second respectively in the Randox Health Grand National Handicap Chase at Aintree
Image: Russell hugs David Mullins after the Grand National

Jockey David Mullins was philosophical in defeat.

He said: "I was hoping and praying we'd get there. It was a four-and-a-quarter-mile race and a war of attrition. All you want is another five yards and you have it, but that's racing and I'm very lucky to have won it two years ago.

"He probably did a little bit too much with me, but I had to let him go after jumping the Chair - he just winged fences.

"Davy went by me at the second-last on a fresh horse and I sort of said we weren't going to win that race to the Elbow. I said we'd get to there and have one crack at him.

"I was just thinking 'go' and was hoping the winning post was going to keep going, but it didn't."

Frost was smiling from ear to ear after enjoying an excellent first ride in the National on Milansbar.

She said: "It was just an amazing feeling. He gave me the best first spin I could ever ask for. He battled hard to be fifth and deserves every pat he has got. Everyone is in tears washing him down.

Davy Russell rides Tiger Roll (No 13) over Canal Turn during the 2018 Randox Health Grand National at Aintree Racecourse
Image: Russell rides Tiger Roll (No 13) over the Canal Turn with Bryony Frost just ahead of him on Milansbar

"It is an amazing race and you can be so proud of your horses and what you've asked them to do.

"Down by Valentine's he just started to come underneath me a little bit and I had to give him a minute, as it is a long way home.

"We went a lovely, even gallop and I kept him in his own space, but that is where he is happy at and you've got to ride them where they are happy."

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