Many Clouds Takes Jockey to 2nd National Win
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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.
While Apsell achieved a notable feat, Hemmings became the first owner in more than a century to win the Grand National with three different horses
"It's remarkable," he said. "Someone's very fortunate or someone's looking down on me. Winning the three is incredible although I do buy them with this race in mind.
"Mr. (Noel) Le Mare did three wins with Red Rum, but I've done it a different way by selecting a Hedgehunter (2005), a Ballabriggs (2011), and a Many Clouds. I just hope I can carry on and find another. It was a long time ago when somebody won with this many different horses.
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 and the Two BetBright Cup Chase at Cheltenham Jan. 24.
Many Clouds finished the Grand National's about 4 12 miles in 8:56.80 over 29 fences on a course rated good to soft.
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.