Sam Waley-Cohen enjoys fairytale finale with Grand National triumph
Amateur jockey wins on his father’s horse Noble Yeats in last race Amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen enjoyed a fairytale finale to his career as steered Noble Yeats to victory in the Grand National at Aintree. The 39-year-old announced his intention to retire on Thursday, nominating Emmet Mullins’ charge as his farewell ride in the world’s most famous steeplechase. Sent off at 50–1, few would have expected Noble Yeats to strike in the extended four-and-a-quarter-mile showpiece — but he ran a magnificent race as he fended off the 15–2 favourite Any Second Now by two and a quarter lengths for a famous National success. Coming to the last they were the only pair in contention and under a strong drive, Noble Yeats kept finding more to prevail in the colours of Waley-Cohen’s father, Robert. Delta Work (10–1) was 20 lengths back third, with Santini (33–1) another length and a quarter away in fourth. A jubilant Waley-Cohen — who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Long Run in 2011 — said:...