The Donald McCain-trained Ballabriggs (14-1) won the John Smith's Grand National from Oscar Time in a thrilling renewal at Aintree.
McCain name back in lights at Aintree
The Donald McCain-trained Ballabriggs (14-1) won the John Smith's Grand National from Oscar Time in a thrilling renewal at Aintree on Saturday.
Jason Maguire recovered from a fall at Aintree on Thursday to give the Trevor Hemmings-owned horse a peach of a ride from a prominent position to repel the challenge of Oscar Time (14-1).
It was Hemmings' second winner in the race following the success of Hedgehunter, and the McCain family's fifth after Donald's father Ginger trained the great Red Rum to three victories aswell as Amberleigh House.
Oscar Time finished second with last year's winner Don't Push It (9-1) third and State Of Play (28-1) fourth.
Niche Market finished fifth for Paul Nicholls.
Joy
Winning owner Trevor Hemmings said: "It's great. I had my heart in my mouth but it has all worked out.
"Congratulations to Donald and all the team for all the hard work they have done."
Maguire said: "This is crazy. I've got to thank Donald, Mr Hemmings, my mother and father, everybody. It's a dream come true."
Ecstasy
McCain said: "It's just fantastic. And to win it for Mr Hemmings as well, this race means as much to him as it does to us.
"It's great for Jason because he missed out on Silver Birch.
"We've always thought this might be an Aintree horse and you only need to see the way he's taken to this place today.
"Good horses are easy to train. Everything has gone smoothly all year and he had a nice prep at Kelso last time.
"He's just an absolute pleasure to deal with, I know he's won a Grand National, but he is.
"Jason got off him after the race but he's all right."
