The Grand National brought a real feel good story on Saturday, with 50/1 outsider Noble Yeats winning at the hands of amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, who was riding in his last ever race. One man who did not seem enthused by the winner, however, was Ruby Walsh.
Any Second Now, owned by Walsh's father Ted, came home in a close second place, and Ruby Walsh couldn't hide his disappointment at the result when he appeared on Virgin Media's coverage of the big race from Aintree.
Ruby Walsh lost for words with result from Aintree
Any Second Now entered this year's Grand National as one of the frontrunners in the bookie's odds. Jockey Mark Walsh would ride Any Second Now and, speaking ahead of the race, trainer Ted Walsh was optimistic: "The horse is in good nick. I hope he gives Mark a good ride. If he has as good a spin off as he did last year, maybe with a bit more luck, he should be there or thereabouts.
Ted Walsh's son Ruby appeared as part of Virgin Media's team for the race from Aintree, and also spoke in glowing terms about Any Second Now in the buildup.
Ruby Walsh's heart and head are both backing his dad's shot Any Second Now in the big later on.
"I think he has a great chance. Maybe his chance has passed him by, I hope it hasn't. I'd love to see him win."#GrandNational | #VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/79tRXeGM3H— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 9, 2022
Ruby Walsh, who won the 2000 Grand National on one of his father's horses Papilon, would ultimately be left disappointed by the race result.
Any Second Now was right in the mix in a thrilling conclusion to the Grand National. But, in a brilliant upset, amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen held off Mark Walsh's horse to take a sensational win in his final ever race.
Cohen won on Noble Yeats for Emmet Mullins. Though Ruby Walsh said he was happy for Mullins, his disappointment was palpable as he dissected the race.
I love Emmet Mullins, I've known him since he was a child. A massive day for him.
But I must say I'm gutted. I should pick myself up, and be professional, and move on. We'll almost have the replay ready to go.
Great for Sam Waley-Cohen and for Robert, and congratulations to Emmet, he's making a fair fist of training racehorses.
I'm trying to be gracious in defeat, Ed, but I think you may take over.
"I'm gutted. I'll pick myself up and move on. I've known Emmet since he was a child. Congratulations to him, he's making a fair fist of training racehorses. I'm trying to be gracious in defeat."
Ruby Walsh can't hide his disappointment for Any Second Now's second place finish. pic.twitter.com/36k6o6Xgce— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 9, 2022
Walsh appeared at a loss for words, after a crushing loss at the death for his father's horse.
Though it's understandable that the Walsh clan weren't best pleased with the result from the Grand National, it was undeniably a brilliant surprise win for Noble Yeats.
SEE ALSO: Amateur Jockey Wins Grand National On 50/1 Shot In His Last Ever Race
