Many Clouds won the 2015 Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday to give jockey Leighton Aspell his second consecutive victory in the world-famous race. The 8-year-old held off a late challenge from Saint Are to win by a length and three-quarters, ahead of Monbeg Dude, Alvarado and the favourite Shutthefrontdoor. 19 of the 39 runners finished the 30-fence track, as owner Trevor Hemmings earned his third National success after previously winning with Hedgehunter and Ballabriggs. We take a look at some of the highs and lows from Saturday’s main event, and quickly glance at next year’s race.
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No fairytale victory for AP McCoy
The 19-time champion jockey finished fifth in his last Grand National running, but for a large part of the race it looked as though he was sat perfectly to seize his second victory in the major event. Shutthefrontdoor was positioned well with around five to jump, but he just didn’t have the legs to outsprint the other horses in the final stages of the race. However, McCoy will be satisfied with the ride that the 8-year-old gave him after a great trip and reasonable jumping. Unfortunately for the veteran, he won’t have the opportunity to win the National again but another place in a field of 39 runners is an excellent result.
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No luck for Al Co, Ely Brown and Gas Line Boy
Unfortunately for these horses, they fell at the very first fence and were unable to make any sort of impact on the race. The heavily backed Balthazar King also suffered a heavy fall, but thankfully he appears to be recovering well. Meanwhile, the Druids Nephew fell while sat very handily with just four fences to jump – and punters will be left thinking ‘what if’ as he was travelling well following his victory at the Cheltenham Festival last month.
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Looking ahead to next year
The odds for next year’s race are already available, and this year’s winner Many Clouds is an early favourite at 20/1, with fourth placed Alvarado also up there at 25/1. One thing is for sure – many will back the horse that Leighton Aspell is on, after the 38-year-old became the first jockey to win successive Grand National’s since Brian Fletcher on Red Rum in 1973 and 1974. For further news on this year’s race, as well as an early look ahead to next year’s event, click here.
