Noble Yeats, who won the 2022 Randox Grand National with top amateur Sam Waley-Cohen on the jockey’s final ride, has died in retirement aged 11.

The son of Yeats showed signs of colic on Wednesday (15 April) night and despite vets’ best efforts, he could not be saved.

“He gave us one of the great days of our lives and fulfilled our dreams,” said Sam, in a BBC report on the horse’s passing. “He was brilliant for us and was one of those special horses.”

In a recent feature with Racing TV, Noble Yeats could be seen enjoying his retirement in a big field with fellow legends Long Run, who Sam rode to 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup glory, and 2011 Grand National runner-up Oscar Time.

“It was overwhelming, I put my head down on his withers just for a moment and said, ‘Thank you’,” Sam told Racing TV, reflecting on that day at Aintree four years ago.

“It was an amazing day. You go with such low expectations… and to come out on such an amazing high was unbelievable.”

Noble Yeats, who was owned by Sam’s father Robert and was trained by Emmett Mullins, finished fourth in the race the following year with Sean Bowen in the saddle.

His other major wins included victory in the Grade Two Many Clouds Chase the same year he won the Grand National, and the Grade Two Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2024. He also finished fourth in the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Noble Yeats retired from racing in 2024 after winning seven of his 24 starts under Rules and more than £760,000 prize money.

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‘It’s a fairytale’: Sam Waley-Cohen wins the Grand National on his last ever ride

Current and past Grand National-winning jockeys Sam Waley-Cohen and AP McCoy are among those set to do battle in a showjumping competition this Friday (15 April).

Almost a week after his fairytale victory on Noble Yeats, and on his 40th birthday, Sam will be one of the stars at the Lambourn Open Day, which returns after a two-year Covid-related absence.

One of the highlights of the day, which raises money for charity as well as allowing people to go behind the scenes at racing yards, is the showjumping, which will also feature Nico de Boinville, Jamie Osborne and Marcus Armytage.

Sam said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back to the Lambourn Open Day on Friday to take part in the showjumping competition. It’s always a great day out, which raises a huge amount for local charities.”

Visitors will be able to tour some of Britain’s top training yards, including those of Nicky Henderson, Clive Cox and Oliver Sherwood, between 8.30am and 1pm. The afternoon programme of events also includes a schooling demonstration and camel racing, and a parade of equine heroes such as Battaash, Altior, Coneygree and Sprinter Sacre.

Lambourn Open Day chairman Mark Smyly said excitement around Lambourn is high, adding: “The last two Good Fridays in Lambourn have been very quiet. It’s fantastic that we can welcome everyone back for what should be a brilliant day.

“We are thrilled to have Grand National hero Sam Waley-Cohen competing against some of the best past and present National Hunt jockeys in the showjumping, the parade of equine heroes will be very special, and I can’t wait to see who comes out on top in the camel racing.”

Tickets are £15 for the day, £10 for the afternoon and free for under-12s. All money raised goes to Lambourn’s registered charity, The Lambourn Valley Housing Trust, which works for the welfare of stable staff, the air ambulance and local organisations.

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Davy Russell is full of admiration for this year’s Grand National victors but he has a “tough pill to swallow” on day one

Everyone understands that the Grand National is a huge event, but the true enormity of it doesn’t hit you until you win it. The race touches so many people, it’s phenomenal. So the first thing I said to winning jockey Sam Waley-Cohen after he crossed the line was. “Just enjoy it – you’ve reached the pinnacle.”

Sam is a working man and rides for fun, but he’s an amazing jockey – his technique over the fences is impeccable and he’s as brave as a lion. He’s won King Georges, the Gold Cup and now the Grand National – these are the races every jockey dreams of. But part of what makes our sport so great is that it’s so welcoming that someone like him can come in and achieve that.

I’m sure Sam would have been delighted just to have completed the course on what he knew was going to be his last-ever ride, so to win was something special. The Waley-Cohen family have been brilliant for racing and have a long affiliation with Aintree, so they thoroughly deserved that success and all credit to them.

I suppose the one person who’s been a bit lost in the win is Noble Yeats’s trainer Emmet Mullins. I rode with Emmet, he’s a great guy, and he’s now a very shrewd, young up-and-coming trainer. He has a small outfit but it’s no surprise that he’s capable of having a Grand National winner so early in his career. I’d say it’s onwards and upwards for him.

The end of the dream

My run in the Grand National on Run Wild Fred ended sooner than I’d hoped as we fell at the Canal Turn. The field went very quick over the first few fences and I ended up further back than was ideal. I got a bit blinded going into the fence and he was just taken off his feet. It was a shame because he fitted the bill as a Grand National horse in a lot of ways but sometimes you need to get into a rhythm really fast and it takes him a fence or two to do that, so that’s what cost him.

Delta Work, another horse from the Gordon Elliott yard, ran a fantastic race though to finish third. I was right behind him and I noticed that he hit a couple of fences early on, so it was an extraordinary run.

I was fortunate to have had a winner earlier in the day in the Grade One Novices’ Hurdle on Three Stripe Life, who Gordon has had since a three-year-old. We always knew he had a lot of potential and he showed that during the year, but we just bumped into Sir Gerhard a couple of times so we felt that instead of going back to Punchestown and meeting him again, we’d go to Aintree. It worked out, particularly to get a winner for joint-owner Kenny Haughey, who has been a big supporter.

There were some great riding performances over the three days from the likes of Foxhunters’ winner Gina Andrews and Topham victor Sean Bowen, who has really matured as a rider. Mark Walsh enjoyed a fantastic Festival along with owner JP McManus.

A tough pill to swallow

I thought I’d had another winner on Thursday when my ride Pied Piper dead-heated with Knight Salute in the juvenile hurdle, but a stewards enquiry resulted in them placing Knight Salute first and my horse second.

It was a tough pill to swallow because there was no doubt mine was the best horse in the race. He went a bit left at the last, but it was clear that I didn’t cause any interference and Paddy Brennan, Knight Salute’s jockey, said he wasn’t inconvenienced – I thought both horses ran gallantly and fairly to the line.

I told the stewards my horse had run about a bit in the past and perhaps they misunderstood my argument. Either way, it was a strange decision by the stewards, which the owners are keen to appeal and I’d be in favour of that.

But overall, Aintree produced a fantastic festival – it felt great to be back.

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 14 April

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The Randox Grand National result for the 2022 renewal of the race provided a fairytale ending for amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, as he passed the winning post first aboard Noble Yeats. He announced earlier in the week that he was going to retire after his ride in the Grand National today (9 April).

“I can’t say anything – it’s a dream. I couldn’t believe it,” said Sam, 39, after the race. “I’ve got to say thank yous as it’s my last ride. First of all to dad for his unwavering belief and love over the past 23 years – we’ve never a cross word and have just worked great as a team. To my long-suffering wife, who always there to support me. It’s a fairytale – I’m full of love, happiness and gratefulness.”

Noble Yeats is just a seven-year-old and only ran over fences under Rules for the first time on 5 October 2021. He is owned by Sam’s father Robert Waley-Cohen, who Sam has ridden for during the entirety of his career. Noble Yeats, who is trained by young Irishman, Emmet Mullins and for who this was a first Grand National runner, went off a 50/1 shot.

“We were confident in this horse’s chance in the National all year until the past month as I’ve had a bit of a cold four weeks [in terms of horses running to form], which isn’t the horse’s fault and he was going fine at home, but I maybe started to doubt it was going to happen a little bit,” said Emmet. “The Grand National was always the long-term plan for Noble Yeats, and it’s great to be able to win it for the Waley-Cohens.”

It was an emotional win for the Waley-Cohen family, particularly as Sam’s brother, Thomas died in 2004 after living with cancer for 10 years.

“Thomas was riding with me today – his name is on my saddle,” said Sam, who has a remarkable record over the Grand National fences, having won over them – although not in the Grand National itself – six times, making him the most successful jockey to ride over the unique Aintree fences. “I’ve been saying for at least a decade, that I’ll retire on the spot if I win the Grand National, so for it to happen when I announced it earlier in the week is amazing.”

Robert Waley-Cohen was visibly emotional saying: “It’s absolutely a dream come true. I can’t speak, it’s just fabulous and what we’ve dreamed about – Sam used to ride a rocking horse when he was small, dreaming he was winning the Grand National, and here we are now.”

Sam’s illustrious career in the saddle includes four Cheltenham Festival victories, including Long Run’s epic 2011 Gold Cup success, where he beat Kauto Star, becoming the first amateur jockey in 30 years to win the race. In the 2012 and 2013 runnings of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, they also finished third to Synchronised and Bobs Worth respectively, and they also won the 2010 and 2012 King George VI Chase at Kempton.

When not race-riding, Sam has worked hard building up his own dental care business since its inception in 2009. His business activities led to his being nominated as Spears young entrepreneur of the year in 2011, and by 2020, his business had grown to over 160 practices and expanded to operate across Europe. He is married to Annabel and has three young children.

Continuing with the Grand National result, Any Second Now, who went off the 15/2 favourite, finished second under Mark Walsh for trainer Ted Walsh, which was an agonising result given that this horse finished third last year.

Delta Work was third under Jack Kennedy for trainer Gordon Elliott, while Santini was fourth under Nick Scholfield for trainer Polly Gundry.

Read the full Grand National report in the 14 April issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

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Amateur National Hunt jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, who has enjoyed multiple successes at the highest echelons of the sport, has announced that he will retire from the saddle after his ride in the Grand National on Saturday (9 April).

Speaking to ITV Racing after pulling up in the Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase at Aintree this afternoon (7 April), he said: “I’ve had a fantastic career but Aintree means so much to me with the number of good days I’ve had here over the years, so it seems only right to retire here after my ride in the Grand National.”

Sam, who is 39, has enjoyed a huge amount of success as a jockey, in which he is only amateur by name, given he is a well-respected rider, and he has a total of 74 winners to his name under Rules.

He has four Cheltenham Festival victories to his name, including Long Run’s epic 2011 Gold Cup success, where he beat Kauto Star, becoming the first amateur jockey in 30 years to win the race. In the 2012 and 2013 runnings the combination finished third to Synchronised and Bobs Worth respectively. He also won the 2010 and 2012 King George VI Chase at Kempton aboard Long Run.

Sam is also the most successful jockey ever over the Grand National fences, with six victories to his name, and he was second in the National itself in 2011 when riding Oscar Time.

When not race-riding, Sam has worked hard building up his own dental care business since its inception in 2009. His business activities led to his being nominated as Spears young entrepreneur of the year in 2011, and by 2020, his business had grown to over 160 practices and expanded to operate across Europe.

Sam’s final ride will come aboard Noble Yeats, who is owned by Sam’s father Robert Waley-Cohen, in whose colours Sam has ridden throughout his career in the saddle, when the Grand National gets under way on Saturday at 5.15pm.

Keep up to date with all of Horse & Hound’s Grand National coverage this week via horseandhound.co.uk, where you will be able to read all of the latest news and features on the three-day meeting at Aintree.

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Wannabe jockeys are being given the chance to ride their own horse up close to the Grand National fences at Aintree in October alongside top amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, on Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run.

This “once in a lifetime opportunity” is available for the successful bidder at a charity auction at the world-famous racecourse on Sunday, 23 October.

The lot — billed “the ride of your life” — has been kindly donated by the Waley-Cohen family with all proceeds to be split between the Injured Jockeys Fund — H&H‘s charity of the year — and the Countryside Alliance Foundation.

“It will be an amazing experience for whoever is the lucky bidder for this unique lot,” explained Robert Waley-Cohen.

The ride will take place on Fox Hunters’ day during the 2017 Grand National meeting. It does not include taking on the National fences, however Sam — who has the best record over the course since 1945, with six wins — will give an insight on how to approach every jump, including the daunting Chair.

The Countryside Alliance lunch and auction — at which there will be a variety of other exciting lots on offer — will take place on the Countryside race day at the Liverpool course.

In addition to a full racecard, racegoers can enjoy taking part in other country pursuits at the course, however the highlight for many will be the charity race which takes place before the day’s main events.

A number of recognised faces from the hunting world, including former Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania, will line up to take on 1m5f on the flat.

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Ryan, who is currently master and huntsman of the Berwickshire Hunt, said he was looking forward to getting back in the saddle.

“It’s a huge thrill to be heading back to Aintree, although I’m on a strict diet ensuring I can make the weight and will be very disappointed if I don’t win,” he told H&H.

For further details regarding the Countryside Alliance hospitality tickets, call 020 7840 9207 or email tickets@countryside-alliance.org

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Sam Waley-Cohen has landed a Grand National ride at the last moment – after his father bought a horse for £90,000 last night (April 7).

Robert Waley-Cohen bought 66-1 shot Black Thunder at the first Goffs UK Aintree Sale.

Robert said the nine-year-old was bought with next season in mind, but in the mean time he will line up on Saturday with Sam, (pictured above on Long Run), on board.

Black Thunder, last seen finishing sixth behind Le Reve at Sandown in February, carries a rating of 147 over fences.

His new owners include Newbury chairman Dominic Burke, Clemmie Shipp, an owner with Warren Greatrex, and a friend of Sam.

Robert told the Racing Post: “There’s four of us in the syndicate, which will be fun, and Saturday is really a bonus as we’re planning next season.

“We’ll keep him with the same trainer [Paul Nicholls] until Saturday and he’ll definitely run. I like him very much, he was a wonderful novice and he’s rather lost his way handicapping and is probably a little high in the handicap.

“We’ve just seen the winner of the Foxhunters rated 147 and this horse is very similar. These opportunities don’t come very often with a nine-year-old with good form and I hope to have a lot of fun.”

Tessa Greatrex added: “With that kind of horse you’re buying the profile and he’s a nice good horse who’s ready to go for Saturday.”

Robert confirmed that Sam will take the ride, replacing Gavin Sheehan.

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Sam had originally been banned from racing on Grand National day (April 9) for failing to ride out to the line on Long Run at Carlisle (20 March).

His appeal against the ban failed but thanks to a loophole regarding the days on which it could apply, the British Horseracing Authority conceded he could ride on Saturday.

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After a U-turn by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on Thursday 24 March, amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen and Nina Carberry will be allowed to ride in next month’s Grand National meeting (9 April).

The BHA disciplinary panel initially upheld the seven-day ban controversially handed out to Sam for his riding of Long Run in a hunter chase at Carlisle on 20 March.

Sam had eased up on the gelding – who has since been retired – after the final fence, losing third place close to home and finishing fifth.

The jockey’s defenders said he was acting in the best interests of the former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, who had been off the racecourse for two years.

But the panel, which had watched footage of the race and heard evidence from Sam, ruled Long Run “could have finished third but for the fact that Mr Waley-Cohen stopped riding for 12 strides on the run in.”

Sam said he was “saddened by the BHA’s decision”, which would have seen him prevented from riding on 3-5 April inclusive, 7 April, 9 April and 11-12 April inclusive.

However a statement released later by the BHA said: “Owing to ambiguous wording of the rule, suspensions imposed on Sam Waley-Cohen and Nina Carberry will no longer apply on Grand National day.”

“This decision follows a representation to this effect being made by Sam Waley-Cohen today.”

Sam shared his relief at the news on twitter.

In total, Sam — who rode Long Run to Cheltenham Gold Cup victory and dual King George VI wins — has notched up six victories over the National fences, including the Becher Chase, the Topham and the Fox Hunters.

Long Run had initially been aimed at this year’s Cheltenham Foxhunter, but a setback in January meant hopes were diverted towards the Grand National.

The Carlisle race was considered a trial run for Aintree, but the 11-year-old gelding’s performance led to his connections calling time on his illustrious career.

Meanwhile Nina Carberry also benefited from the decision and now has the chance to ride at Aintree. The top lady jockey had fallen foul of whip rules during the Foxhunter at Cheltenham (18 March), when winning for the second consecutive time aboard On The Fringe and received a seven-day dan.

Nina has previously completed the Grand National course four times from five rides.

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Long Run, winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and two King George VI Chases, has been retired from racing aged 11.

The gelding is owned by Robert Waley-Cohen and was ridden in the majority of his races by the owner’s son Sam Waley-Cohen. He ran to Gold Cup victory in 2011 under the amateur jockey — fending off the former Paul Nicholls-trained duo Denman and Kauto Star.

The decision was made to retire the son of Cadoudal after he finished fifth in a hunter chase at Carlise on Sunday (20 March). It was his comeback run after sustaining an injury on his way back from racing in France in May 2014.

“That’s it for Long Run now. We’ll find something else for him to do. He’s been a wonderful horse, I’ve had him since was a three-year-old and he’s given us some fantastic moments,” said Robert.

Long Run was initially aimed at this year’s Cheltenham Foxhunter before a setback in January saw hopes divert towards the Grand National at Aintree. Sunday’s race was considered a trial run ahead of the Liverpool showcase — but his disappointing run prompted connections to call it a day on his illustrious racing career.

Under Sam, the French-bred gelding triumphed in two King George VI Chases at Kempton in 2011 and 2012.

He amassed 15 victories since starting his career in France in 2008 — including six Grade One contests. His total earnings were in excess of £1.5 million.

It has not yet been confirmed what Long Run will be doing during his retirement.

Continued below…

Sam Waley-Cohen wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup

Long Run wins second King George VI Chase

Former Grand National runner to go eventing

Meanwhile, following the Carlisle race, Long Run’s jockey Sam received a controversial seven-day suspension for easing up on the gelding during the run-in. He has announced he will appeal against the ban which rules him out of the Aintree Fox Hunters in April — a race the jockey has won three times.

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Long Run and Sam Waley-Cohen have regained their Kempton crown, claiming their second King George VI Chase win.

The pair pipped the Philip Hobbs-trained Captain Chris to the post, taking the race by just a neck in a thrilling finish this afternoon (Wednesday 26 December).

Long Run, trained by Nicky Henderson, set off the 15-8 favourite of the Grade 1 race.

Despite a couple of jumping mistakes on the way round, the seven-year-old dug deep in stamina sapping conditions to win.

The heavy ground made for a testing battle in the closing stages of the race and a mighty leap by Captain Chris at the last landed the 16-1 shot temporarily in front under Richard Johnson, before he was caught on the line by the favourite.

Seven-year-old grey Grands Crus, trained by David Pipe, finished 14 lengths back in third with Tom Scudamore. Martin Keighley’s Champion Court, who travelled well throughout the race before tiring on the way home, finished fourth.

“He was so brave,” said Sam Waley-Cohen. “I had to keep asking him and I asked him early and perhaps too much as he was so tired and so brave. It means so much to us, this is why we do it. I can’t put it into words — it’s so special. It’s an honour and a pleasure.”

Sam’s father, and Long Run’s owner, Robert Waley-Cohen, added: “We’ve had such fun with him, he’s been wonderful to us. I wasn’t absolutely sure he’d got up to start with, but it’s fantastic.”

It was the second win of the day for amateur jockey Sam, who also won aboard the Nicky Henderson-trained Rajdhani Express.

Long Run, who won the rescheduled 2010 race [held in January 2011 due to bad weather], finished second to Kauto Star in the race last year, being held off by just one and a quarter lengths.

And popular five-times King George winner Kauto Star was also at Kempton today looking in good health parading before racing alongside new rider Laura Collett.

Kauto moved to event rider Laura’s Wiltshire yard earlier this month to embark on his second career in the world of dressage, with the help of top trainer Yogi Breisner.

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Long Run’s owner Robert Waley-Cohen has hit out at those who have previously criticised his superstar’s jumping, and has insisted that the 2011 Gold Cup champion is in the “prime of his life” ahead of the new campaign.

The unusual jumping technique used by the Nicky Henderson-trained horse to tackle his fences has raised questions — even the Seven Barrows master has labelled the seven-year-old as “froggy”.

However, Waley-Cohen believes there has been nothing wrong with Long Run’s performances, and feels he is fully prepared for the new season.

“We are very pleased with him,” he said. “He looks to be in very good form and is a very healthy horse. He is seven years old now and is in the prime of his life.

“A lot of people have discussed Long Run’s jumping, but he has been round Cheltenham three times, he has been round Kempton, he has been round Newbury, and he has been round Auteuil — a premier racetrack in France.

“Long Run has matured, physically and mentally, following his summer break, and we believe he is fit and ready for the season ahead.”

Long Run was second to Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase and King George last year, before finishing third in the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.

Those results have helped to maintain his impressive record of never finishing outside the top three in a race throughout his career. The son of Cadoudal, who also sired Paul Nicholls’ hurdling star Big Buck’s, has registered five Grade One victories.

Waley-Cohen is hoping that Long Run can add to his achievements, starting with the Betfair Chase at Haydock next month (24 November).

He said: “There are only three Grade Ones over his trip, so we will definitely go to the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, King George and Gold Cup.

“Then it is whether we do the AON (Denman Chase) at Newbury again or go to Cheltenham at the end of January.

“Whatever we do, we are confident of having a good season with him, but it will depend on the conditions at the time. It is all about contingencies.”

Waley-Cohen has also confirmed that Long Run’s inclusion in the Grand National is only a “back-up plan” if he is unable to make the 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The 50-1 shot for National glory with Stan James has been ruled out of racing in both events next year.

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When Sam Waley-Cohen became the first amateur rider in 30 years to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Long Run last year, it was a fairy tale triumph that delighted racing fans around the world.

All eyes will be on Sam at 3.20 this afternoon to see if he can repeat this incredible feat and become the first amateur to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice.

This cinematic video by luxury men’s fashion brand, Alfred Dunhill, tells the story of this dedicated amateur’s historic win last year through to his final preparations for this year’s big race and features interviews with Sir Peter O’Sullevan, Sam Waley Cohen and Robert Waley-Cohen.

• Who will you be backing in this afternoon’s race? Let us know via the comments box below…

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A special day of racing will take place on Sunday 16 October to celebrate the new season at Kempton Park.

Not only does “Jump Sunday” have seven races, but spectators will have the chance to see special guests and take behind the scenes tours.

Prolific winner Binocular, who took the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park in 2009 and the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham the following year, will parade in front of the crowds.

Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, who triumphed aboard Long Run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2011, will also be talking about his hopes for the forthcoming season.

Spectators will have the opportunity to walk the final furlong with one of the top jockeys riding on the day before the first race.

There will also be around 40 spaces on a behind the scenes tour of the racecourse visiting the commentary box, weighing room, parade ring and Stewards Box where there will be a talk regarding how integrity is maintained in the sport.

To take part on the tour or furlong walk spectators need to sign up at reception on the day.

Managing director of Kempton Park Amy Starkey said: “We are eagerly anticipating the launch of the new Jumps season at Kempton Park and are delighted to welcome Binocular and Sam Waley-Cohen as special guests on the opening day of the season.”

Tickets start from £12 booked in advance. Visit: www.kempton.co.uk or tel: 08445 793008

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Sam Waley-Cohen became the first amateur rider to win the Totesport Gold Cup for 30 years on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, taking an epic renewal of the season’s most important jump race on his father Robert’s Long Run.

It was a thrilling race and, despite a couple of jumping mistakes on the first circuit, 28-year-old Waley-Cohen powered home to win by seven lengths from previous champions Denman and Kauto Star.

It was a first victory in the race for trainer Nicky Henderson, and will go some way to make up for the disappointment of having to withdraw his Champion Hurdle winner Binocular from this year’s race because of a positive test for a banned substance.

Long Run was sent off the 7-2 favourite for the Gold Cup on the back of his defeat of Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase at Kempton. But two previous outings at Cheltenham had proved fruitless, and there was doubt about the quality of his jumping under pressure.

Midnight Chase and Tom Scudamore led the field for the first circuit. Long Run gave his jockey a couple of frights early on, but his jumping got better as Kauto Star and Ruby Walsh took up pole position and upped the pace on the second circuit. From the top of the hill it was all about Kauto Star, Denman, Long Run and last year’s victor Imperial Commander, but the latter dropped away quickly and Paddy Brennan pulled him up. Sam Waley-Cohen had to push Long Run a touch to get him to the leading pair, but he responded and came back on the bridle.

Kauto Star kicked off from round the final bend, but Denman matched him. A superb jump at the last pushed Long Run’s head in front and from there he motored up the hill to deafening cheers from the crowd. Denman passed Kauto Star for second, while What A Friend, owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and, like the two ahead of him, trained by Paul Nicholls, got to within a short-head of Kauto Star for fourth.

“This is a very emotional moment,” said Waley-Cohen. “The horse jumped awesomely and was very brave. I didn’t know whether I was coming or going at some of the fences. You go into them and throw everything at them – your heart, your soul and your guts.

“It’s a surreal moment – sometimes achieving your dreams is difficult to comprehend.”

Paul Nicholls emphasised that he was “mighty proud” of Denman and Kauto Star – at 11, the pair are five years older than Long Run.

“I wasn’t expecting very much today but you have to hand it to them, that was an awesome horse race,” he said.