Liam Cooper, jockey of Clan RoyalIt was fantastic to get a finisher. He has left his Cheltenham form behind and Mark [Bradburne] gave him a fantastic ride. He’s still a young horse and there’s a lot to look forward to. David Johnson, owner of Lord AtterburyHe ran a blinder with a big weight It was unbelievable He jumped marvellous I couldn’t be more happy The rain just came at the wrong time for him.
Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain, 73, trainer of Red Rum and Amberleigh HouseHe ran his heart out. He beat the horses around him and suddenly one comes from the pack, but that’s what it’s about Grand Nationals change from the last fence to the line J P McManus, owner of Clan RoyalHe gave me a fantastic ride. I’m delighted for Amberleigh House and Graham Lee, to be honest, we beat them in the Becher Chase I’m sick as a pig, but also delighted to have done so well I lost my whip but it didn’t make a difference In fact I think it helped. Graham Lee, jockey of Amberleigh HouseI have tried ever since the old horse [Red Rum] went to try and get a good little horse to come here I’ve got one, and he’s done it You can take me round the corner and shoot me now. I didn’t have a very good passage over the first six fences with loose horses. They did not include the other co-favourites: Tony McCoy’s mount, Jurancon, came down at the fourth, the 2002 winner Bindaree and Carl Llewellyn were brought down at the first Becher’s, and Joss Naylor was pulled up at the 19th.’You can take me round the corner and shoot me now’It’s just a fairytale, a dream – he was just so tough.
He has the patience I haven’t got any more.”Eleven finished, no horse was hurt and the others who deserve mention in dispatches for getting round are Bear On Board, Kingsmark, The Bunny Boiler and Davids Lad. But the Irish-bred gelding’s looks had not always been so prepossessing. “I’d seen him win at Punchestown,” said McCain, “but when he arrived with us I went out in my dressing gown and saw this little timid, miserable horse shivering in a corner. I couldn’t believe it was the one we’d paid £75,000 for.”McCain has been based for the past 13 years at Malpas in Cheshire, where son Donald is his assistant “I shall be eternally grateful to John [Halewood] But the credit really goes to Donald He has lived this horse and rides him in all his work. But he’s a great little horse round here, foot-perfect, a professional.
He’s positive, he’s exact and he’s the best thing that has happened to me for a long, long time.”Amberleigh House, along with well-fancied Joss Naylor, was pick of the paddock on a dull day that put a premium on inner glow. But the horse, whose boldness had made such a contribution to the spectacle, was only winded and got up to a huge cheer.”I know it was not very sporting of me,” said McCain. “But I thought three out that Graham had given ours too much to do. I didn’t want to get after him because he’s got only one run.”Up front Hedgehunter had taken the race by the scruff from the off and led his 38 rivals a fine dance for almost two circuits.