Grand National 2022 LIVE: Result and reaction as Noble Yeats wins the big race at Aintree

Follow all the latest updates from the 2022 Grand National at Aintree as one of British sport’s most iconic events returns for a 174th edition.

Coronavirus caused the cancellation of the race in 2020 and kept the crowds away in 2021, so for the first time in three years, fans will be able to watch in person at Aintree and help create that famous atmopshere.

A stacked field of horses and jockeys look to make history for themselves, the trainer and owner with 40 runners and riders ready to try and win the most valuable jump race in Europe.

Minella Times, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, triumphed 12 months ago and returns to try and make it two in a row this year but there are plenty of fancied horses in the field, including Any Second Now, Escaria Ten, Snow Leopardess and Longhouse Poet.

Follow all the latest updates below:

Grand National 2022

• Pinstickers’ guide to all the runners and riders

• Mark Walsh claims back-to-back wins before big race of the day

• Noble Yeats wins 2022 Grand National

• Report from Aintree as Sam Waley-Cohen earns fairytale finale

Reaction from Sam Waley-Cohen

18:15 , Michael Jones

Winning jockey Sam Waley-Cohen gave his post-race thoughts to BBC Radio 5 Live:

Noble Yeats gives Sam Waley-Cohen fairytale finale in Grand National at Aintree

18:02 , Michael Jones

Amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen enjoyed a fairytale finale to his career as steered Noble Yeats to victory in the Randox Grand National at Aintree.

The 39-year-old announced his intention to retire on Thursday, nominating Emmet Mullins’ charge as his farewell ride in the world’s most famous steeplechase.

Sent off at 50-1, few would have expected Noble Yeats to strike in the extended four-and-a-quarter-mile showpiece - but he ran a magnificent race as he fended off the 15-2 favourite Any Second Now for a famous National success.

Noble Yeats gives Sam Waley-Cohen fairytale finale in Grand National at Aintree

The trophy presentation

17:54 , Michael Jones

It is a family affair as Robert and Felicity Waley-Cohen lead up several generations of the Waley-Cohen family to the trophy stand, along with winning trainer Emmet Mullins.

Finally, winning jockey Sam Waley-Cohen’s name is announced to huge cheers and applause as he goes up with his wife and children to collect the trophy.

More from Emmet Mullins

17:51 , Michael Jones

Trainer of Noble Yeats, Emmet Mullins wass asked if he can believe that result and replied: “Not really no. And for Sam to go out on a win like that, you could not write it.

“I was probably more confident a month ago than I was today. It is the stuff of dreams. Today was the plan. It is nice when a plan comes together.

“I didn’t get to see much of him early doors but going away from the stands here I took a breath because it was a perfect position. That last circuit everything seemed to fall into place. I don’t know when this will register.”

The Grand National

17:46 , Michael Jones

“There was a long term plan and it seems to have come off.” said winning trainer Emmet Mullins to ITV:

“A month ago we were probably more confident but the more it went on, other peoples chances were being talked up and we went a bit cold.

“But we knew the form was there.”

Signing off with a win

17:43 , Michael Jones

The Grand National

17:40 , Michael Jones

Sam Waley-Cohen’s father - and owner of winning horse Noble Yeats - Robert Waley-Cohen said:

“It’s a dream come true. Just fabulous. It’s a team and thank God it has really worked. He has so much dedication and puts in so much hard work.”

Reaction from Sam Waley-Cohen

17:38 , Michael Jones

Winning rider Sam Waley-Cohen is an amatuer jockey and was riding in his last ever race on top of his father’s horse Noble Yeats. It’s a remarkable story and pretty unbelievable.

Waley-Cohen told ITV Racing: “I cant say anything. It is a dream. I can’t believe it.”

Grand National 2022 results

17:35 , Michael Jones

1st - Noble Yeats (Mr S Waley-Cohen) 50/1

2nd - Any Second Now (M P Walsh) 15/2 Fav

3rd - Delta Work (J W Kennedy) 10/1

4th - Santini (Nick Scholfield) 33/1

5th - Fiddlerontheroof (Brendan Powell) 12/1

A Grand National fairytale

17:31 , Michael Jones

Here’s how Noble Yeats won the Grand National:

NOBLE YEATS WINS THE GRAND NATIONAL!

17:30 , Michael Jones

He can! Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen wins the Grand National on his final ride before retirement! Noble Yeats kicks on down the final straight and stays ahead of Any Second Now to claim victory!

The Grand National

17:29 , Michael Jones

Over the last and it’s a two horse race now as Noble Yeats leads just in front of Any Second Now! Can Sam Waley-Cohen get across the line?

The Grand National

17:27 , Michael Jones

Three from home and Coko Beach is back in front, Two For Gold is falling back. Longhouse Poet and Freewheelin Dylan are in contention. Noble Yeats is coming through as well with Fiddlerontheroof close behind.

The Grand National

17:25 , Michael Jones

Eight fences from home and Two For Gold edges in front of Coko Beach with Longhouse Poet trailing in third. Cloth Cap pulls up but Escaria Ten is running nicely just behind the leading pack.

The Grand National

17:24 , Michael Jones

More fallers at The Chair as Burrow’s Saint goes down. Snow Leopardess has been pulled up too.

Lostintranslation has moved up the field but Coko Beach and Two for Gold still lead the rest.

The Grand National

17:22 , Michael Jones

Coko Beach, Two For Gold and Longhouse Poet are amongst the leaders as the race makes it over fence number 10.

Last year’s champion Minella Times has fallen and is out of the race!

The Grand National

17:21 , Michael Jones

Anibale Fly and Eclair Surf go down at the third fence with Coko Beach leading Two For Gold at the front of the field.

The Grand National

17:19 , Michael Jones

Enjoy D’Allen and Mount Ida fall at the first!

The Grand National

17:18 , Michael Jones

And they’re off! The 2022 Grand National is underway.

The Grand National

17:14 , Michael Jones

The biggest horse race of them all really is anyone’s game and horses at any odds can win it, remember 100/1 Mon Mome in 2009?

Any Second Now will set off as the favourite but he faces stern competition from Snow Leopardess and Minella Times.

Latest odds

17:11 , Michael Jones

As the horses make their way onto the track here are the lastest odds for the Grand National winner:

Any Second Now 8/1

Minella Times, Snow Leopardess 10/1

Eclair Surf, Fiddlerontheroof, Longhouse Poet, Run Wild Fred 12/1

Delta Work 14/1

Enjoy D’Allen 16/1

Commodore, Escaria Ten, Fortescue, Good Boy Bobby 22/1

Cloth Cap, Mighty Thunder 28/1

Death Duty, Discorama, School Boy Hours 33/1

Burrows Saint 35/1

Dingo Dollar, Santini, Top Ville Ben, Two For Gold 40/1

Coko Beach, Freewheelin Dylan, Lostintranslation 50/1

Blaklion, De Rasher Counter, Deise Aba, Kildisart, Mount Ida, Noble Yeats 66/1

Anibale Fly, Poker Party, Samcro 80/1

Agusta Gold, Brahma Bull, Class Conti 100/1

Domaine De Lisle, romain De Senam 125/1

Latest odds via Betfair

A fairytale ending?

17:09 , Michael Jones

15 minutes to go

17:04 , Michael Jones

The is just a quarter of an hour before the Grand National gets underway. The horses are being led around the parade ring ahead of the race.

Ted Walsh, trainer of Any Second Now, says that with a bit of luck his horse will ‘be there or thereabouts’ by the end of the race.

Snow Leopardess heads to the paddock

16:59 , Michael Jones

Ready to go.

Who are the favourites?

16:54 , Michael Jones

2021 Grand National winner Minella Times is among the favourites in the betting to win the 2022 edition as well, along with fellow Irish-trained challengers Any Second Now and Delta Work.

Snow Leopardess leads the British contingent with Fiddlerontheroof and Lostintranslation has favoured.

Delta Work and Escaria Ten are among seven runners for trainer Gordon Elliott who is seeking a record-equalling fourth victory after scoring with Silver Birch in 2007 and twice with Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019.

A day at the races

16:51 , Michael Jones

After some showers earlier in the day the sun has come out over Aintree ahead of the Grand National. 70,000 people are in attendance for the big one today.

Redemption for Any Second Now?

16:48 , Michael Jones

Any Second Now could provide a fantastic result for a smaller trainer in Ted Walsh who has a great record in the Grand National.

This one could have added to his success if he was not brought to a standstill 12 months ago and although he’s higher in the weights now but he looks set to be a contender.

The punters feel so as well and have backed into 8/1 and a favourite spot.

Heir to Tiger Roll?

16:45 , Michael Jones

Delta Work beat his stablemate Tiger Roll at Cheltenham last month in what was the two-time Grand National champion’s final race.

The nine-year-old is arguably trainer Gordon Elliott’s main hope for a fourth Grand National victory and success for Elliott, who has seven runners entered, would see him become both the most successful Irish trainer in the race and the equal most successful trainer overall, alongside Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain.

‘Trailblazing female jockeys like Rachael Blackmore are an inspiration for everyone’ says Bryony Frost

16:42 , Michael Jones

Betfair ambassador and renowned jockey Bryony Frost has been speaking about how her fellow female jockeys continue to inspire her with their continued success on the course.“You can take inspiration from an individual that you may see yourself in and I remember as a kid being inspired by others and it’s human nature to be inspired and want to be better.” said Frost. “If you’re in the equine world, or even if you’re not and you see people like Rachael [Blackmore], Hollie [Doyle], what they’re doing is just huge.

“Not just because they’re female, we can’t change that, it’s the people that they are, the way they conduct themselves, everything about them and their dedication is inspiring, it doesn’t matter who you are. Even as a fellow jockey standing next to them, it’s inspiring.”She added: “[Horse racing is] one of the few sports, if only, that you can go out there and be on a level playing field. We’re a team out there with our partner and the team back home behind us is huge.

“On the track, you only see the horse and jockey, but it’s mind-blowing to think of the team behind them, those travelling with the horses to races, the head lads and lasses that look after them, the trainers and the owners, the physios, the farriers – it’s huge.

“It’s a massive team sport, but you only get to see the two of us out there. At the top of the pyramid is the horse and you couldn’t do this without them. You could be the best jockey out there but if you don’t have your partner then you’re no good.”

Back-to-back wins?

16:35 , Michael Jones

Jockey Aidan Coleman has just romped home ahead of 5-2 favourite, Shan Blue, to win the Betway Handicap Chase on Sam Brown at 28/1.

Coleman is riding the well-backed Snow Leopardess in the Grand National in 40 minutes time and will be looking to make it consecutive wins at Aintree today.

Grand National 2022: Pinstickers’ guide to all the runners and riders in Saturday’s Aintree showpiece

16:28 , Michael Jones

Saturday afternoon sees the 174th running of the Grand National at Aintree.

The Ted Walsh-trained Any Second Now heads the betting at 8/1, and right here we run through the entire field:

Grand National 2022: Pinstickers’ guide to all the runners and riders

How to watch the Grand National

16:21 , Michael Jones

The Grand National is scheduled to get underway at 5.15pm later today. Coverage of all the races at Aintree got underway on ITV1 from 1pm and once the Grand National is finished they will continue to broadcast the other races until 6.15pm.

Grand National 2022: Full list of runners and odds

16:15 , Michael Jones

An hour to go until the Grand National gets going. Here’s a full list of all the runners competing in the 174th edition of the race:

Grand National 2022: Full list of runners and odds

View from the bookies

16:08 , Michael Jones

David Johnson, who works for the family firm of on-course bookies Paul Johnson, told the BBC: "We have not been here for the National since 2019.

"It’s massively important to be back and a huge part of our business comes from these big races. The crowds have been good, today is sold out and you can tell people have missed it.

"Minella Times would be our worst loser - racegoers just want to back whatever Rachael Blackmore is riding."

Will the mare win the big one?

16:00 , Michael Jones

Victory in the Grand National for Snow Leopardess would be one of the most heart-warming stories in Aintree history.

The ten-year-old has returned to action after giving birth to a foal and is bidding to be first mother to win the race, as well as the first mare to triumph since Nickel Coin in 1951.

The grey has won three out of her three races this season, including at Aintree in December over the National fences in the Becher Chase to mark her out as a contender.

She is owned and bred by Marietta Fox-Pitt, whose son William is a three-time Olympic equestrian medallist.

Walsh’s day?

15:49 , Michael Jones

Mark Walsh has rode home on his second winner of the day as Sire du Berlais beats Flooring Porter in the JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle.

That’s back-to-back wins for the Irishman. Is today going to be his day? Will he win the Grand National later on?

A double for Mark Walsh?

15:40 , Michael Jones

Gentleman De Mee has beaten Edwardstone in the Poundland Maghull Novices’ Chase. Edwardstone had been the horse to beat over this distance but just couldn’t keep up the challenge in the closing stages.

It’s strong victory for jockey Mark Walsh that sets him up nicely ahead of the Grand National later this afternoon where he is riding one of the favourites: Any Second Now.

Latest odds

15:31 , Michael Jones

There’s less than two hours to go until the big race and Any Second Now is the frontrunner at 9/1. Snow Leopardess and Minella Times are close behind at 10/1 with Fiddlerontheroof at 11/1.

Snow Leopardess win Virtual Grand National

15:26 , Michael Jones

One of the rising quirks of Grand National day is the running of the Virtual Grand National ahead of the race.

As it says in the name this is an animated virtual running of the national based on weight, previous results as well as other criteria to see who will win the big race later on.

If you believe in omens Snow Leopardess won this year’s animated version of the real thing.

Steve Rogers of Inspired Entertainment,the company creates the CGI races for a TV special, said: “The team have been working on this virtual race and on the race prediction algorithm for months.

“We use the latest technology including artificial intelligence software to create the most life-like representation.

“In 2017 the winner of the Virtual Grand National came second in the real race, in 2018 Tiger Roll won both, and the computer has been very close on the final position of other runners and riders.”

Fans back at Aintree

15:18 , Michael Jones

Rachael Blackmore and Minella Times made horse racing history in front of empty stands last year as the Grand National took place behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This year though 70,000 fans are in attendance to see her attempt at completing a stunning double.

Can she win the Grand National again and receive the cheers and applause that she missed out on last year?

The Rachael Blackmore story

15:10 , Michael Jones

Irish jockey superstar, Rachael Blackmore, is the only current jockey in the weighing room to have won the Champion Hurdle, Gold Cup and Grand National.

This is the story of her rise to stardom, as told by her mum:

History maker

15:00 , Michael Jones

Rachael Blackmore made history in this race twelve months ago becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National as she stormed home atop Minella Times.

That victory has backed up less than a month ago as she was triumphant in the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup at Cheltenham to complete that full set of jump racing’s three biggest races.

No jockey has won all three races in the same year since Tommy Cullinan in 1930, can Blackmore make history again with a second Grand National win today?

She’s riding Minella Times again and would match Tiger Roll and Red Rum as the only horses to win back-to-back Grand Nationals.

The Grand National breakdown

14:56 , Michael Jones

The Grand National is the biggest horse race in the UK - and probably the world let’s be honest - it’s generate 10x as much betting interest as Cheltenham’s Gold Cup which is the next biggest race of the season.

Aintree’s most famous race returns this afternoon in front of fans and punters who are back in person for the first time in three years following an ease to Covid-19 restrictions.

Let’s break down the race: This is the 174th edition of the Grand National.

There are 30 jumps, including Becher’s Brook and The Chair, over a distance of four and a quarter miles. The race gets going around 17:15 and will last for roughly nine to ten minutes.

The total prize fund is £1 million with the winning team collecting £500,000.

Significant changes were introduced before the 2013 race which saw the core of fences softened, the distance reduced and new procedures for loose horses - all in the name of making the race safer for the horses and their riders.

It’s worked as the one equine fatality in the race last year was only the second from a total of 316 runners in the last eight editions.

Racegoers ready for ‘electric’ Grand National

14:51 , Luke Baker

Racegoers are gearing up for an “electric” Grand National as crowds return to the world’s greatest steeplechase for the first time in three years.

Punters have not been at Aintree to cheer on the Grand National runners since 2019, after the race meet was cancelled in 2020 and held behind closed doors last year.

They braved rain and chilly temperatures on Saturday to make their return.

Racegoers ready for ‘electric’ Grand National

VIDEO: Racing fans dress up for Aintree Ladies Day

14:43 , Luke Baker

Crowds flocked to Aintree Racecourse on Friday as Ladies’ Day at the Grand National Festival got underway.

Ladies Day returned for the first time in three years after cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The racecourse usually welcomes over 150,000 visitors over the course of three days for the biggest event of the racing calendar.

Snow Leopardess leads field for 2022 Grand National

14:36 , Luke Baker

The Grand National always throws up a story. This year, public sentiment has seen the odds of Snow Leopardess tumble.

It could be that her form stacks up. The Becher Chase winner has been in excellent order, having won her last three.

It could be that she is a grey, who bids to emulate Neptune Collonges (2012) Nicolaus Silver (1961) and The Lamb (1868 and 1871) as the only greys to have tasted victory in the Aintree marathon.

Yet arguably it is her fascinating backstory that appears to have caught the imagination.

Snow Leopardess leads field for 2022 Grand National

Grand National 2022: Full list of runners and odds

14:31 , Luke Baker

The 2022 Grand National is set to take place today as Aintree welcomes back one of the most famous races of the year.

It will be the 174th edition of the iconic race as a stacked field of horses and jockeys look to make history for themselves, the trainer and owner.

Of the horses scheduled to run, there will be a maximum field of 40 and an additional four reserves in case of any drop-outs. The world’s greatest steeplechase is nearly upon us as horse racing fans prepare to descend on Aintree once more.

Here is a full list of the runners and odds.

Grand National 2022: Full list of runners and odds

Grand National 2022: How to watch Aintree race online and on TV

14:24 , Luke Baker

It’s that time of year again when horse racing fans and non-horse racing fans gather round their TV screens to watch the annual Grand National.

This year’s edition will be the 174th time the race has taken place as crowds return to Aintree in their droves for the first time since 2019.

It promises to be a thrilling spectacle as more than three dozen horses seek to win the most famous race in Britain.

But who will come out on top as the punters take to the races to try and predict the winning stallion?

Grand National 2022: How to watch Aintree race online and on TV

Grand National 2022: Pinstickers’ guide to all the runners and riders

14:19 , Luke Baker

Today sees the 174th running of the Grand National at Aintree.

The Charlie Longsdon-trained Snow Leopardess heads the betting, but here we run through the entire field.

Grand National 2022: Pinstickers’ guide to all the runners and riders

Grand National 2022

14:15 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the 2022 Grand National at Aintree.

Europe’s most valuable jump race always captures the imagination of the British public - whether they’re horse-racing aficianados or not - and plenty of people like to have a flutter.

For the first time in three years, fans will be at Aintree to watch the Grand National in person when it gets underway at 5.15pm.

Stick with us for all the build-up and latest updates.