Grand National 2022 LIVE: Result and reaction as Noble Yeats wins the big race at Aintree
Follow the latest updates from Aintree and the 174th edition of the iconic handicap steeplechase
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Follow all the latest updates from the 2022 Grand National at Aintree as one of British sport’s most iconic events returns for a 174th edition.
Coronavirus caused the cancellation of the race in 2020 and kept the crowds away in 2021, so for the first time in three years, fans will be able to watch in person at Aintree and help create that famous atmopshere.
A stacked field of horses and jockeys look to make history for themselves, the trainer and owner with 40 runners and riders ready to try and win the most valuable jump race in Europe.
Minella Times, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, triumphed 12 months ago and returns to try and make it two in a row this year but there are plenty of fancied horses in the field, including Any Second Now, Escaria Ten, Snow Leopardess and Longhouse Poet.
Follow all the latest updates below:
Reaction from Sam Waley-Cohen
Winning jockey Sam Waley-Cohen gave his post-race thoughts to BBC Radio 5 Live:
I am so choked up. It is a dream, a fantasy, something I could never have imagined. You go to sleep hoping, you wake up to a cold wet morning and reality.
“It is unbelievable and I have to thank so many people because it has been a love affair. It has been hope beyond pragmatism really.
“Could have gone lots of different routes, people said Noble Yeats, too young and too inexperienced but dad has always wanted to take chances and it has paid off.
“Early on he was really outpaced and I thought I’d try and keep the bit in his mouth fill him up with confidence but he started jumping really neatly and I thought he is travelling here. I got a really nice run around the inside and he started to go forward and he suddenly opened up into a bit of space.
“When he jumped over the second last he was low and quick. Last jump was nice. I felt the other horse and thought I had gone too early but as soon as I asked him he really found a lot.
“You are overwhelmed for weeks. Honestly it won’t sink in for weeks. A lot was going through my mind, keep the horse safe, get weighed in and then go and enjoy it. I have given dad my helmet, that is it, I am done.”
Noble Yeats gives Sam Waley-Cohen fairytale finale in Grand National at Aintree
Amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen enjoyed a fairytale finale to his career as steered Noble Yeats to victory in the Randox Grand National at Aintree.
The 39-year-old announced his intention to retire on Thursday, nominating Emmet Mullins’ charge as his farewell ride in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Sent off at 50-1, few would have expected Noble Yeats to strike in the extended four-and-a-quarter-mile showpiece - but he ran a magnificent race as he fended off the 15-2 favourite Any Second Now for a famous National success.
Noble Yeats gives Sam Waley-Cohen fairytale finale in Grand National at Aintree
Last year’s winner Rachael Blackmore fell early on, riding Minella Times
The trophy presentation
It is a family affair as Robert and Felicity Waley-Cohen lead up several generations of the Waley-Cohen family to the trophy stand, along with winning trainer Emmet Mullins.
Finally, winning jockey Sam Waley-Cohen’s name is announced to huge cheers and applause as he goes up with his wife and children to collect the trophy.
More from Emmet Mullins
Trainer of Noble Yeats, Emmet Mullins wass asked if he can believe that result and replied: “Not really no. And for Sam to go out on a win like that, you could not write it.
“I was probably more confident a month ago than I was today. It is the stuff of dreams. Today was the plan. It is nice when a plan comes together.
“I didn’t get to see much of him early doors but going away from the stands here I took a breath because it was a perfect position. That last circuit everything seemed to fall into place. I don’t know when this will register.”
The Grand National
“There was a long term plan and it seems to have come off.” said winning trainer Emmet Mullins to ITV:
“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.”
The Grand National
Sam Waley-Cohen’s father - and owner of winning horse Noble Yeats - Robert Waley-Cohen said:
“It’s a dream come true. Just fabulous. It’s a team and thank God it has really worked. He has so much dedication and puts in so much hard work.”
Reaction from Sam Waley-Cohen
Winning rider Sam Waley-Cohen is an amatuer jockey and was riding in his last ever race on top of his father’s horse Noble Yeats. It’s a remarkable story and pretty unbelievable.
Waley-Cohen told ITV Racing: “I cant say anything. It is a dream. I can’t believe it.”
Grand National 2022 results
1st - Noble Yeats (Mr S Waley-Cohen) 50/1
2nd - Any Second Now (M P Walsh) 15/2 Fav
3rd - Delta Work (J W Kennedy) 10/1
4th - Santini (Nick Scholfield) 33/1
5th - Fiddlerontheroof (Brendan Powell) 12/1
A Grand National fairytale
Here’s how Noble Yeats won the Grand National:
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