Tony McCoy reflects on 'enjoyable' last Grand National
Tony McCoy's famous riding career goes on for another fortnight, after he had to settle for fifth place in the Grand National aboard Shutthefrontdoor.
His Jonjo O'Neill-trained mount, sent off the 6/1 favourite, travelled well for a long way and looked right in contention three out, only to fade out of contention.
Relive the full race as Many Clouds won the 2015 Grand National. Footage courtesy of Racing UK
Having set a new record by riding in the race for the 20th time, the champion said: "I was very happy all the way, but just between the fourth- and the third-last I was following Many Clouds and I knew he was a dour stayer.
"I was behind him in the Hennessy and thought I might get past him, but he stuck at it well there. I thought from the third-last I was struggling.
"I got a great ride off him and Jonjo (O'Neill) had him in great shape. He jumped fantastic and I wouldn't mind riding him next year!
Advertisement
"I'm going to miss riding horses like that and in races like that. I got a great buzz out of it and I thought for a long way he could win.
I'm going to miss riding horses like that and in races like that. I got a great buzz out of it and I thought for a long way he could win. It's my last National, but it was a very enjoyable one.
"It's my last National, but it was a very enjoyable one.
"I just want to say well done to Leighton Aspell and Oliver Sherwood and Trevor Hemmings. It's great for them."
O'Neill said of Shutthefrontdoor: "He ran a blinder. He did everything right, he was following the right horses but unfortunately he wasn't good enough on the day and maybe he didn't get the trip.
"It's good news, at least I've got AP (McCoy) for a couple more weeks (before retirement)."
McCoy confirmed does he plan continue to riding until Sandown's Finale meeting on April 25.
Runner-up Saint Are's trainer Tom George said: "I'm delighted with him. He looks as fresh as paint after it.
"Stamina is not a problem and he's a run a great race.
"He got close to a couple of fences but everything went right. He has been beaten by a better horse on the day. You can't fault him.
"I thought for a second he might get there. It was all very exciting."
Monbeg Dude delighted his connections by improving on last year's seventh-place finish.
Jockey Liam Treadwell, who won the 2009 National aboard Mon Mome, said: "I thought I'd win after the last, his run just flattened out but everyone's delighted. The horse has enjoyed it, I've enjoyed it and I'm very pleased."
Trainer Michael Scudamore said: "To run a race like that is absolutely amazing. I'm so proud of the horse and so pleased for him."
Alvarado was fourth for the second successive year for Fergal O'Brien, who said: "He's a horse that's given his heart and soul again today.
"There's no real hard luck stories. We are very lucky. He got baulked a bit at the Canal Turn and Paul (Moloney) said it put him out of his rhythm a little.