National glory for McCoy

Tony McCoy's unquenchable thirst for victory in the John Smith's Grand National was finally met as the Jonjo O'Neill-trained and JP McManus-owned Don't Push It triumphed amid emotional scenes at Aintree.

Big-race wins are commonplace to the 14-times champion jockey, but the world-famous National over the daunting Liverpool fences had proved his Achilles heel, with a trio of third-place finishes the most he had achieved.

The 35-year-old deeply craved the recognition that comes hand in hand with a National win and that finally arrived as a huge late gamble on 10-1 joint-favourite Don't Push It came good.

The 10-year-old was close to the front jumping the second-last and gradually reeled in long-time leader Black Apalachi before pulling five lengths clear, with State Of Play another 20 lengths back in third and Big Fella Thanks a further three lengths adrift in fourth.

The relief of finally bagging the National was evident as elation burst through every pore in McCoy's skin crossing the line, and he tearfully spoke on pulling up.

"I'm being a big wuss. It means everything to me to win the Grand National," he said. "I've won lots of big races and I'm supposed to be a good jockey, but to not win the National would be a negative on the CV. Everyone on the street knows the National as it is a people's race.

"I'm delighted for my mum and dad as they've been great for me throughout the years, and for my wife Chanelle, and my daughter Eve, who is two and a half. Hopefully now she'll be proud of me when she grows up.

"My trainer put me on the right one, if truth be known. I asked him to toss a coin and I think he tossed it a few times until he got Don't Push It. I'm delighted for JP as he's the best supporter this game has ever had."

McManus, winning after 33 previous attempts, said: "To win the National is great, but to win it with Jonjo and AP is special. This is wonderful for Jonjo and the staff at Jackdaws Castle. AP deserved to win the race and I am pleased it was on one of mine."

O'Neill, who failed to complete the course as a jockey, added: "I walked the track with my kids and stopped them at Canal Turn and said this is where it ends, as I never got any further in seven tries! It is one of those races I thought wasn't going to happen."