Horse racing-Grand National glory for Many Clouds (Reuters)
(Adds quotes, details) * Jockey Aspell and owner Hemmings make Aintree history * McCoy has to settle for fifth on Shutthefrontdoor By Ian Chadband LIVERPOOL, April 11 (Reuters) – Jockey Leighton Aspell and owner Trevor Hemmings celebrated Grand National history on Saturday as the Oliver Sherwood-trained Many Clouds courageously triumphed in the 168th edition of Aintree’s famous steeplechase. The 79-year-old Hemmings, one of Britain’s biggest leisure tycoons and owner of Preston North End Football Club, was equally astonished as Many Clouds became his third different National winner, equalling a century-old record. The 25-1 shot took up the running with four fences remaining but horse and jockey had to dig deep to hold off runner-up Saint Are (25-1) as they prevailed by one-and-three-quarter lengths after nearly four and a half miles of racing. There was to be no fairytale farewell for the sport’s greatest jockey Tony McCoy in his record 20th and final ride in the race before his retirement when, following a promising outing on Shutthefrontdoor, he faded from second to fifth after the final fence.