Harrington and Kennedy on cloud nine as Magic Of Light shines bright in second

Not quite first time lucky but it was the next best thing for Jessica Harrington and Paddy Kennedy, who were in dreamland after their first attempt at the world's biggest race ended in celebration as the only mare in the event, 66-1 shot Magic Of Light, finished a gallant runner-up.

For the rider, older brother to young star Jack Kennedy, it was a particularly remarkable result having never before ridden at Aintree – never mind over the National fences.

He returned with blood and sweat dripping from his face but there were no tears, just a huge smile.

"She came out of my hands at the chair and I was very lucky," said the rider when quizzed about his bloodied appearance. "I almost ploughed over her head but luckily my head hit her head and that's what stopped me coming off. She recovered well though."

Reliving his race, Kennedy, 31, added: "I couldn't believe my first ride in the National went that well. She never missed a beat. I thought on the run-in, because Tiger Roll had tired last year, I might have a chance, but he stayed on strongly."

Harrington, a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who was on the mark with Supasundae in Thursday's Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle, was delighted as much for horse and rider as for herself, and already has one eye on next year for the eight-year-old, who runs for the Potts family.

"She was brilliant and was still staying on at the end," said the trainer. "The heart was pounding for the whole four miles. There were no instructions and Paddy was great. Hopefully she'll be here next year."

Magic Light and Rathvinden chase Tiger Roll home in the Grand NationalCredit: Grossick Racing 07710461723

In contrast, Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh are veterans of the race, combining with 2005 winner Hedgehunter, and the pair were far from disappointed to play a supporting role here with the third-placed Rathvinden, sent off 8-1 second favourite.

"He ran a blinder bar mistakes at Valentine's and the Water, but from a long way out Tiger Roll was going easier than me," said Walsh. "From Becher's onwards, every time I saw Tiger Roll I could see Davy [Russell] trying to slow him down! He's a super winner."

Mullins added: "I'm delighted with Rathvinden. He had every chance but Tiger Roll did everything the hard way – it's unbelievable."

Walk In The Mill was an 11th-hour National withdrawal last year but the wait to take his chance proved worth it as he ground it out to take fourth at 25-1.

"Everything went very smoothly and I was surprised just how well he travelled in the first mile," said rider James Best. "He was off the bridle a long way out but all he's done is stuck his head down and kept galloping.

"It's an amazing thrill to finish fourth – god knows what it's like to win it!"

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