Bittersweet: Nicky Henderson's National first marred by Wicklow Brave tragedy

Nicky Henderson summed up Brain Power's triumph in the American Grand National as "very much a bittersweet occasion" after the winner was handed victory by the fatal fall of Wicklow Brave.

Brain Power and Wicklow Brave had pulled clear of their rivals at Far Hills in New Jersey, with the Willie Mullins-trained runner looking set to score before falling at the final flight, handing the £212,000 first prize to his rival.

Victory marked a return to form for Brain Power, who had been pulled up on his previous two starts prior to taking the 2m5f Grade 1 under Nico de Boinville on Saturday.

Speaking on Sunday, Henderson said: “Believe it or not, this is the first Grand National I have won in 41 years with a trainer’s licence, but obviously it bears no resemblance to what we would associate with the words ‘Grand National’ as it is essentially a hurdle race.

“I could not be more delighted for the horse and his owner Michael Buckley, who has been such a great supporter of the yard over the seasons.

"It seems the rattling ground in America really suited Brain Power and the two horses had come clear of the others before the sad incident at the last hurdle, when they had the race between them.”

Wicklow Brave: suffered a fatal fall at Far HillsCredit: Patrick McCann

Wicklow Brave’s talent and versatility was widely praised, and Henderson reported that he had been in touch with the Mullins yard to offer his own condolences.

Paying tribute to Wicklow Brave, Henderson said: “He was such a good horse over the seasons and was as tough as they come. It was a case of two grand warriors doing battle in the closing stages but sadly one of them is not coming home.

“It was difficult to celebrate the win in the circumstances. My wife Sophie has been in touch with the Mullinses and said how sad we all are. It was very much a bittersweet success for us as we simply hate winning races this way for obvious reasons.”

Brain Power has now amassed more than £480,000 in prize-money in his career, helped along by a total of six successes over hurdles and one apiece in chases and bumpers.

Looking ahead to the domestic jumping season with the eight-year-old, Henderson added: “I suppose we might try and win the Grade 2 International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December again but I have not given up on sending him back over fences.”

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