Rule The World has ploughed through the rain-softened Aintree ground to land an emotional Grand National win for trainer Mouse Morris and apprentice David Mullens.
In what has been a testing 12 months for the popular Irish trainer Morris following the sudden death of his son Christopher last year, Rule The World delivered him a win that had eluded him since he sent out his first runner in the race more than 30 years ago.
Prominently positioned throughout the extended four-and-a-quarter-mile (6800m) contest by 19-year-old Mullins on his first National ride, the Grade Two-winning hurdler seemed to take a distinct liking to the unique fences.
“He’s a class horse on his day, even though he was a maiden over fences coming into this,” Morris said.
“With half a mile to go I was going to be happy with third, but somebody was obviously looking down on us again.
“I didn’t want to ask (Christopher) twice, having already won an Irish National. I thought we’d used up all our luck.
“But he must be an iron horse to win a Grand National after his injuries.
“He’s fractured his pelvis twice. Before that I always thought he was the best horse I ever had, how good would he be with a proper rear end on him?”
Mullins, who later completed a double aboard Ivan Grozny for his uncle, trainer Willie Mullins, was understandably thrilled.
“There was one little mishap at the fourth-last, but thank god I came out (the other side). Everything went to plan really,” Mullins said.
“Credit to Mouse, he’s produced this horse without having won over fences. Then there’s me, who’s never even walked around the Grand National track.
“That’s the best ride I’ve ever got off a horse and it’s the best feeling to come back into a place like this.
“It was just brilliant.”
