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TIGER ROLL won the Grand National in a tense photo-finish.

Davy Russell's mount held off a determined effort from Pleasant Company to win the Aintree classic.

Davy Russell holds aloft the winners' trophy after a glorious ride in this year's Grand National
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Davy Russell holds aloft the winners' trophy after a glorious ride in this year's Grand NationalCredit: REUTERS
The 38-year-old jockey kisses the silverware after a stunning day where he won his first ever Grand National
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The 38-year-old jockey kisses the silverware after a stunning day where he won his first ever Grand NationalCredit: REUTERS
Tiger Roll jumps the last fence and looked set for an easy Grand National triumph
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Tiger Roll jumps the last fence and looked set for an easy Grand National triumphCredit: EPA
But Tiger Roll tired considerably as he closed in to the winning post, and only won in a photo-finish to Pleasant Company
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But Tiger Roll tired considerably as he closed in to the winning post, and only won in a photo-finish to Pleasant CompanyCredit: PA:Press Association
Davy Russell, at 38-years-old, was the oldest jockey riding in the Grand National
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Davy Russell, at 38-years-old, was the oldest jockey riding in the Grand NationalCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The winner came in at odds of 10/1, with Pleasant Company priced at 25/1.

In third was Bless the Wings at 40/1 with Anibale Fly in fourth at 10/1.

Gordon Elliott's eight-year-old landed his third Cheltenham Festival success in the Cross-Country Chase last month, to go with previous victories in the Triumph Hurdle and National Hunt Chase.

And he was among the market principals for the world's most famous steeplechase.

Runner-up jockey David Mullins could barely believe how close he had come to winning the biggest race of the year
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Runner-up jockey David Mullins could barely believe how close he had come to winning the biggest race of the yearCredit: supplied by Pixel8000
The 21-year-old David Mullins has many more years ahead of him to turn tears of sadness into tears of joy
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The 21-year-old David Mullins has many more years ahead of him to turn tears of sadness into tears of joyCredit: supplied by Pixel8000
Tiger Roll cut through the field as he embarked on the second circuit, and was a well-deserved winner
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Tiger Roll cut through the field as he embarked on the second circuit, and was a well-deserved winnerCredit: REUTERS
Tiger Roll may have had a Grand National to remember, but some other horses weren't so lucky
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Tiger Roll may have had a Grand National to remember, but some other horses weren't so luckyCredit: EPA

Russell cut a confident figure throughout the four-and-a-quarter-mile contest on the 10-1 shot and cruised to the front in the home straight.

But just when he looked to have victory sewn up, the Willie Mullins-trained Pleasant Company, who had been ridden prominently and jumped boldly, came with a late rattle to almost join him on the line.

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However, after a brief wait the judge confirmed Tiger Roll the narrow winner.

Bless The Wings, the winner's stablemate was third, and Anibale Fly was fourth, as Irish runners dominated.

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Speaking after his incredible victory, Russell said: “It’s such a lottery and such a difficult race, everything needs to fall into place.

"You can work out Gold Cups, and Champion Hurdles, but in the Grand National so much has to go right as so much can go wrong.

"One he took to jumping I was happy. When I saw a stride on him and I settled, he jumped.

"He had fallen asleep at the second last, and I needed to wake him up.

Davy Russell gives the thumbs up after winning the big race of the year - but admitted he was nervous before the result was confirmed
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Davy Russell gives the thumbs up after winning the big race of the year - but admitted he was nervous before the result was confirmedCredit: Getty Images - Getty
This was how close it was as Pleasant Company pushed Tiger Roll all the way
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This was how close it was as Pleasant Company pushed Tiger Roll all the wayCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Ryanair supremo Michael O'Leary then gets the chance to hoist the winners' trophy aloft
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Ryanair supremo Michael O'Leary then gets the chance to hoist the winners' trophy aloftCredit: REUTERS

"He came alive, winged the last, but I knew there was a long way to go.

"I knew there was something coming. I saw a lot of him [Pleasant Company] and I thought I just got the line."

The winning owner was Ryanair supremo Michael O'Leary, who described the victory as "phenomenal".

He said: "I was bloody panicking at the line, it was well judged right by Davy.

"He’s a rat of a little thing, now he’s won the cross country, the four miler, it’s phenomenal, beyond my wildest dreams."

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