Tony McCoy reflects on 'enjoyable' last Grand National

Saturday 11 April 2015 20:23, UK

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.

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!

"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.

"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."

Image: Security staff brave the weather to stand guard over the water jump before
Image: But the skies look clearer as groundstaff prepare the approach to the rather more imposing fence, The Chair
Image: The winning post - that little white stick could mean everything to a handful of people at around half past four
Image: Tony McCoy opens the newly named McCoy's bar during Grand National Day
Image: Will the marching band refuse to yield when the players try to take the field?
Image: More matching outfits or is it a uniform for work? I'm confused
Image: The calm before the storm.................
Image: Tony McCoy is in demand with the autograph hunters
Image: Mister Fizz leads the field in front of the packed stands in the opening World Famous Just Eat Mersey Novices' Hurdle
Image: And he gets a good tune out of Parlour Games
Image: But has to settle for second as Nichols Canyon sprints clear
Image: It looks as though there's been a decent turnout for the big day
Image: Some racegoers watch the action unfold
Image: Sizing Granite holds a clear lead in the Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase
Image: But it's all to play for at the last......
Image: Only for Sizing Granite and Johnny Burke to prevail
Image: Do you remember your first Grand National?
Image: Whisper, ridden by Nico de Boinville, clears the final flight to win the Silver Cross Stayers' Hurdle Race
Image: Pulling clear of World Hurdle winner Cole Harden
Image: It's not only youngsters that wear hoodies in all weather you know
Image: The field clear a fence in the Betfred Handicap Chase
Image: Eventual winner Duke of Lucca clears the last in between Wonderful Charm and Your Busy
Image: They're underway in the Crabbie's Grand National
Image: Many Clouds is challenged by Tony McCoy and Shutthefrontdoor
Image: But Leighton Aspell has seen them off by the last
Image: Saint Are and Monbeg Dude give vain chase on the run-in
Image: Leighton Aspell celebrates after passing the post
Image: And is congratulated by Tony McCoy and Paul Moloney
Image: Many Clouds feels the heat and is cooled down after victory
Image: Leighton Aspell poses for photographers after dismounting on the course
Image: It's then time, along with winning trainer Oliver Sherwood (r), to spray everyone with the sponsors' beverage
Image: Many Clouds owner Trevor Hemmings celebrates
Image: While Oliver Sherwood flings his track into the crowd
Image: Astre De La Cour (right) ridden by David Mullins clears the final flight to win the One Stop Energy Handicap Hurdle from Fethard Player
Image: Hollies Pearl (right) ridden by Sean Bowen wins The Pinsent Masons Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

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.

"We're over the moon again."

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