Noble Yeats, a 50-1 shot, wins the Grand National on jockey Sam Waley-Cohen’s final ride

Noble Yeats, trained by Emmet Mullins and ridden by amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen on his retirement ride, has won the Grand National at Aintree.

Any Second Now, the 15-2 favourite, was runner-up. Delta Work (10-1) was third with Santini (33-1) in fourth.

‘I can’t say anything but that’s a dream,’ Waley-Cohen said. ‘It has been a love affair, they aren’t all good days. 

‘There are bad days in this sport. That is beyond what I was thinking, it’s a fairytale and a fantasy.’ 

The 39-year-old Waley-Cohen will not receive any prizemoney due to his amateur status. He has a day job running a dentistry business.

He is a friend of Prince William and Kate Middleton and was a guest at their 2011 wedding. 

Amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen was competing in his final race before retiring 

Waley-Cohen will not receive any prizemoney from his win due to his amateur status

Waley-Cohen’s father Robert, Noble Yeats’ owner, was overcome by emotion in the immediate aftermath.

‘I’m really emotional,’ he told ITV. ‘I’m lost for words, unbelievable. Fabulous. It’s a team and thank God it has really worked. He has so much dedication and puts in so much hard work.

‘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!’ 

Noble Yeats is owned by Waley-Cohen’s father, Robert (left), who was overcome by emotion

Trainer Emmet Mullins said: ‘There was a long term plan and it seems to have come off.

‘A month ago we were probably more confident but the more it went on, other peoples chances were being talked up and we went a bit cold. But we knew the form was there.’

Minella Times, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, fell at the Valentine’s Brook fence while Snow Leopardess pulled up before the second circuit. 

Ted Walsh, trainer of the runner-up Any Second Now, said: ‘To get that close, it’s a sickener, but equally it’s a 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.’