Noble Yeats won a dramatic Grand National as Sam Waley-Cohen signed off in style in his last ever ride before retirement.
The amateur rider only announced on Friday that the 174th Grand National at Aintree would be his final ride and the 39-year-old completed the fairytale story by winning the big race of them all.
"I can't say anything, but that's a dream," Waley-Cohen told ITV Racing.
"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."
15/2 favourite Any Second Now crossed the line in second while 2021 winner Rachel Blackmore and Minella Times fell early on, denying her a historic double.
😁 The moment @swaleycohen has dreamed about since he was a little boy#ITVRacing | #GrandNational pic.twitter.com/RbT5Ewimam
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 9, 2022
Winning trainer Emmet Mullins sent out his first ever National runner and was emotional after the race, reflecting on a momentous victory.
"There was a long-term plan and it seems to have come off," he told ITV Racing.
"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."
Full result and pre-race odds
1 - Noble Yeats (Waley-Cohen) 50-1
2 -Any Second Now (Walsh) 15-2 Fav
3- Delta Work (Kennedy) 10-1
4- Santini (Scholfield) 33-1
5 - Fiddlerontheroof (Powell) 12/1
6 - Longhouse Poet (O'Keeffe) 12/1
7 - Freewheelin Dylan (Doyle) 50/1
8 - co*ko Beach (Elliott) 50/1
9 - Escaria Ten (Heskin) 25/1
10 - Romain De Senam (Armson) 100/1
11 - Samcro (Bowen) 80/1
12 - Commodore (Deutsch) 33/1
13 - Class Conti (Twiston-Davies) 100/1
14 - Blaklion (Harry Skelton) 50/1
15 - Lostintranslation (Cobden) 50/1
40 ran, 15 finishers
I'm an avid horse racing enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sport, including its history, key players, and significant events. My passion for horse racing extends to a comprehensive knowledge of jockeys, trainers, and the dynamics of various races. I've closely followed the Grand National and similar prestigious events, allowing me to provide insights into the recent triumph of Noble Yeats and the retirement of Sam Waley-Cohen.
The 174th Grand National at Aintree showcased a captivating finale to Waley-Cohen's illustrious career. The announcement of his retirement just a day before the race added an emotional layer to the event. Waley-Cohen, at 39, secured a fairytale victory aboard Noble Yeats, expressing his sentiments about the challenging nature of the sport and the dream-like quality of the win. The narrative is enriched by the unexpected success of the 15/2 favorite, Any Second Now, who finished second.
Emmet Mullins, the winning trainer, added another layer of drama by sending out his first-ever National runner. Mullins reflected on the triumph, revealing a long-term plan that ultimately materialized. Despite wavering confidence as other contenders gained attention, Mullins remained steadfast in the belief that the form was there.
The race results, with Noble Yeats as the winner, Any Second Now in second place, and Delta Work securing third, highlight the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the Grand National. The post-race odds further contribute to the narrative, showcasing the competitive field and the strategic planning involved.
This victory not only marks the end of Waley-Cohen's riding career but also solidifies Noble Yeats' place in Grand National history. The race was a blend of skill, strategy, and emotional resonance, making it a memorable moment for horse racing enthusiasts and participants alike.
