Grand National storms back with fairytale win
RACEGOERS used flip-flops and brollies to try and protect themselves – and their pints – from hail at the return of the Grand National.
Revellers had endured rain, gales and bitterly cold temperatures at “Raintree” on Thursday.
Yesterday the weather was as uncertain as the result of the race, with punters running from storms one minute then basking in sunshine the next.
That didn’t deter a sell-out crowd of 70,000 – who described its return as exciting and emotional after a two-year break.
Amateur jockey and Dominic West lookalike Sam Waley-Cohen, 39, had a dream ending to his career by winning on 50-1 Noble Yeats.
It was his 10th attempt at the National and he became the first amateur to win since 1990.
The tycoon and dad of three, who retired after his win, said: “It’s a fairytale, it’s a fantasy and I’m just full of love and happiness.”
Sam joked his “incredibly handsome doppelgänger”, The Wire actor West, should now play him in a
Hollywood movie.