'I admire him enormously' - Nicky Henderson leads praise for Sam Waley-Cohen

Nicky Henderson expressed his admiration for Sam Waley-Cohen after the leading amateur bowed out in style with a 50-1 success aboard Noble Yeats in the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.

The trainer and jockey combined to win several big races with Long Run, who landed the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup in between two victories in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, and like Noble Yeats was owned by Waley-Cohen's father Robert.

"The Grand National always provides a tale and it certainly did on Saturday," said Henderson. "The family have been great friends for so many years and we've had some wonderful days. I admire Sam enormously. He didn't ride regularly but remained immensely fit.

"The highlight was him winning those big races with Long Run and early on in his career it dawned on us he had an affinity with Aintree as he won the Topham with Liberthine in 2006. Robert is involved with the breeding side and we've got a lovely youngster out of Liberthine."

Grand National fairytale as 50-1 Noble Yeats wins for retiring Sam Waley-Cohen

After winning the Grand National, Waley-Cohen paid tribute to his brother Thomas, who died from cancer aged just 20 in 2004. The jockey won the famous race with his brother's initials on his saddle.

"It's a poignant story," added Henderson. "I know Sam would say he never rode without his brother Thomas being with him. It's inspired the entire family and I'm just thrilled for them all. Thomas is still a part of what's going on now as they'll always be thinking of him."

Long Run with Henderson and Robert and Sam Waley-Cohen after the 2012 King GeorgeCredit: Mark Cranham

Waley-Cohen also won two Grade 3s for Neil Mulholland, including the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown with The Young Master in 2016.

"He's a gentleman in every way," said Mulholland. "I'm delighted for him and his family. I know how much it means to win the Grand National, having tried to win one for them with The Young Master.

"It was a perfect ending and it couldn't have happened to a nicer man and family. We had some fantastic days and we hopefully have many more to come as we still train a few horses for them."

Waley-Cohen won ten times from 45 rides for Warren Greatrex, who said: "They're an incredibly family. I've not had a really long association with them but they've always been a pleasure to deal with and they've always been so passionate about jump racing.

"Sam was amazing over the National fences, probably better than anybody else. He's a real horseman and is one of the fittest people you'll ever meet. He didn't ride often but he was 110 per cent fit.

"I've lost my voice as I was giving him a fair old shout on Saturday. He's a credit to himself and I know how proud his family are of him."

More 2022 Grand National reaction:

'He's an absolute gent' - Santini's Grand National fourth delights Polly Gundry

'No amateur has a better CV' - Barry Geraghty leads praise for Sam Waley-Cohen

'I thought at the last we might just get there' - Ted Walsh on Any Second Now

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