Big win for Doneraile jockey Darragh O'Keeffe on Grand National Day at Aintree

Cork jockeys Paul Townend and Brian Hayes finished second and third in a thrilling finish to the £500,000 Randox Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.

Willie Mullins enjoyed an emotional experience as his Nick Rockett partnered by his son Patrick Mullins lead home an incredible 1-2-3-5-7 for the all-conquering Closutton yard. 

Cork jockeys figured strongly in the placings Paul Townend finished second on I Am Maximus, last year's winner who didn't jump as well as he can. He stayed on doggedly having come under pressure a long way out. Rosscarbery jockey Brian Hayes finished third on Grangeclare West. 

Doneraile jockey Darragh O’Keeffe who'd landed a Grade One earlier on the card finished sixth on Senior Chief. Jonathan Burke finished an honourable seventh on Minella Cocooner while Dunmanway pilot Gavin Sheehan finished eighth on Shark Hanlon's Hewick. 

Nick Rockett had drifted markedly in the market (33/1) despite bringing top-class form to the table. Townend stayed loyal to last year's winner and might have mixed emotions as he was onboard Nick Rockett in his Thyestes and Bobbyjo victories.

Earlier, Doneraile's Darragh O'Keeffe enjoyed a notable success at Aintree in front of a huge crowd on Grand National Day. Hiddenvalley Lake partnered by the North Cork jockey stayed on strongly to win the Grade One Liverpool Hurdle. 

FIRM GRIP

He sported the silks of Brian Acheson's Robcour. They have established a firm grip on the staying hurdling division, having won at Cheltenham with Bob Ollinger. 

They had withdrawn the overnight favourite Teahupoo with the drying conditions ensuring good ground. Hiddenvalley Lake proved to be an able deputy. He travelled sweetly throughout the contest for O’Keeffe before giving generously all the way up the home straight.

"We were unsure about the ground but he handled it well and he stayed really well," he said. O'Keeffe also acknowledged the contribution of his trainer Henry De Bromhead.

I’m very privileged to pick up rides for Henry. I was pipped in the Long Walk and I’m delighted he has won."

Henry De Bromhead's charge finished in front of Strong Leader and Jetara. The Wallpark finished fourth. The Cork-owned Kitzbuhel went off the 10/3 favourite. He found precious little off the bridle. Ultimately he paid the price for being far too keen on the first circuit.