Jockey Aspell Takes Second Straight National
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Many Clouds won the £1 million Crabbie's Grand National April 11 at Aintree, providing jockey Leighton Aspell a second consecutive win in the world's most famous steeplechase.
Trained by Oliver Sherwood for Trevor Hemmings, the 8-year-old Cloudings gelding scored by 1 3/4 lengths over Saint Are, both at odds of 25-1. Monbeg Dude was third at 40-1 in the 39-horse field while 20-1 shot Alvarado finished fourth.
Aspell became the first jockey in 61 years to win back-to-back Grand Nationals on different horses after guiding in Pineau De Re last year. Bryan Marshall accomplished the feat on Early Mist and Royal Tan in 1953 and 1954, respectively. Brian Fletcher was the most recent rider to win consecutive editions, capturing the race on the legendary Red Rum in 1973 and 1974.
British riding great Tony McCoy was denied a win in his final appearance in the Grand National before retirement, finishing fifth on pre-race favorite Shutthefrontdoor.
Sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time out, Many Clouds has nine wins and five seconds from 20 starts, including his victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup Nov. 29.
The winner was bred in Ireland by Aidan Aherne. His dam is the Bob Back mare Bobbing Back, who also produced stakes-winning hurdler The Tullow Tank.