Champion jockey Tony McCoy claimed a superb victory on his 15th attempt at the John Smith's Grand National, on board joint favourite Don't Push It.
The Irish rider, who already boasted wins at Royal Ascot and Cheltenham, said winning the big race at Aintree meant "everything", as he paid an emotional tribute to those who had helped him achieve his dream of Grand National success.
Asked if he ever believed a National win was possible, the 35-year-old said:
“No. I’m the biggest dreamer in the world. Stupidly, I believe I’ll always win. It means everything to win the National.
“Everyone in the street knows the grand National, knows how important it is, that it’s the world’s greatest race. You know, I’m supposed to be a good jockey. So if I can’t win the National, well that’s a bit of a negative on my CV, isn’t it?”
The popular jockey, now confirmed as the greatest of his generation, has ridden more than 3000 horses to victory. Visibly elated as he held court with reporters, he joked that rival Ruby Walsh had always been his daughter's favourite rider.
“My little girl Eve can be proud of me now when she grows up,” he smiled.
But he played down speculation that he could be in line for this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, joking "I don't even know what it is!"
A P McCoy will almost certainly now join the handful of great racers who have become household names, alongside Lester Piggott and Frankie Dettori, and he's still got a few years left in the saddle.
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