BREAKING: Kilkenny to the fore as Nick Rockett powers to famous Aintree Grand National victory for Willie and Patrick Mullins

Amateur Kilkenny rider Patrick Mullins enjoyed his finest hour as he guided Nick Rockett to victory for his Goresbridge father Willie Mullins in the Randox Grand National at Aintree.

Trained by Willie Mullins, the eight-year-old is owned by Stewart and the late Sadie Andrew (who was originally from Goresbridge, County Kilkenny).

The Closutton handler had assembled a crack team for the Aintree marathon and as the runners entered the business end, his contenders were dominating the head of proceedings, with I Am Maximus looking in the ideal position to defend his title in the hands of Paul Townend.

However, the burden of top-weight proved too much in the closing stages, as Nick Rockett (33-1) finished full of running, leading home a one-two-three for the champion trainer, who was registering not only back-to-back victories but his third success 20 years after his first with Hedgehunter. For good measure, Mullins also had the fifth-placed horse in Meetingofthewaters.

Iroko was fourth for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.

More to follow...