Grand National 2018 resuts: Tiger Roll beats Pleasant Company in thrilling photo-finish to win at Aintree

Davy Russell rides the 10/1 shot to the narrowest of victories

Davy Russell celebrates after being announced as the winner of the Grand National (Getty)

Just months after losing his mother, Davy Russell rode an inch-perfect race to jockey Tiger Roll to victory in the Grand National, taking the win by the slimmest of margins ahead of Pleasant Company in a photo-finish.

Russell adds the Aintree victory to his earlier success at Cheltenham last month, handing trainer Gordon Elliot his second win in the National after his 2007 success with Silver Birch.

After long-time leader Ucello Conti faded away, unseating jockey Daryl Jacob late on, Pleasant Company hit the front with three left to jump. But Russell kicked Tiger Roll on and the 10/1 shot surged clear and looked to be cruising. But the race was far from over, and from a long way back Pleasant Company started to fight back.

Having been clear out in front, Tiger Roll was suddenly struggling to hold on, but despite David Mullins pushing Pleasant Company on, Russell and Tiger Roll were just able to hold on, with the victory being confirmed soon after in a photo-finish.

"I was afraid he wouldn't take to it as he's very economical with his jumping,” Russell said straight after the victory. “They've done a marvellous job with this horse.

"This one is for Pat Smullen. I was speaking to him the other morning and he's as tough as nails.

"I really don't know what to say."

Tiger Roll (left) held off Pleasant Company (right) to take the Grand National (Getty)

Elliott added: "It's unbelievable. Tiger Roll is a yard favourite. It's great for the yard, for Gigginstown (House Stud, owners), for everyone.

"I was nervous. I thought I had it, but you're so nervous watching it. I said I didn't appreciate the first time round. I'm definitely going to appreciate it now. It's great for my family and everyone at home.

"He's an unbelievable horse. I was fighting with Michael O'Leary telling him to keep this horse at Gigginstown when he retires and he said he wasn't good enough.

"He'd better keep him now!"

Elliott added: "At one point I said he wasn't good enough and at one point retirement was an option, but I'm very lucky to be training for the O'Learys. It's unbelievable for Davy Russell. He's lost his mother and I'm sure his father Gerry is very proud at home watching. He had a new baby last week, too.

"Coming here I was really worried about the ground. All the way round I couldn't believe how he was going."

Tiger Roll emerged late to win the Grand National (Getty)

The victory gives Elliott a double over long-time rival trainer Willie Mullins, having won the Irish Grand National earlier this month with Fairyhouse. "Coming after the Cheltenham we had, we didn't dare dream this. We only beat him (Mullins) last week in the Irish National and now we've beaten him again, I can't believe it.

"Having to beat Willie is tough, he's an amazing man and sets the standards, one of the greatest of all time and to be training at the same time as him is unbelievable."

Another photo-finish was required to decide third place, with Bless the Wings holding off Anibale Fly, while Milansbar and Road To Riches rounded out the top six.