Top Wood and Worsley slug it out to see off Burning Ambition in the Foxhunters'

Tabitha Worsley, who suffered a broken back in a fall at Ludlow in November 2017, enjoyed Aintree glory on her first ride over the big Grand National fences when she and 14-1 shot Top Wood triumphed in the Foxhunters'.

The pair came out on top in a thrilling renewal of the 2m5f event, outstaying Ireland's big hope Burning Ambition and Derek O'Connor to score by two lengths.

Burning Ambition looked all set for victory after arriving to lead early on the run-in, but 12-year-old Top Wood stayed on the better from the Elbow to score for trainer Kelly Morgan and owner Johnny Weatherby.

Worsley, the fifth female rider to win the race, said: "It's amazing. Top Wood is such a tough horse. The other horse came flying past us, but Top Wood is not one who wants the stick too much, so I tried hands and heels as much as I could and he's just stuck his neck out for me – he's a hero."

The 24-year-old, who still has rods in her back and shoulder and was riding her 14th racecourse winner, walked the course with Brian Harding before racing yesterday.

Top Wood: takes one of the National fences in his strideCredit: s)John Grossick (racingpost.com/photot

She said: "I've lost count of how many point-to-point winners I've ridden but I rode my 13th track winner at Market Rasen on Wednesday and wanted to get off that number as soon as possible. To do it here over the National fences is unbelievable."

Morgan trains at Weatherby's yard near Oakham in Rutland and her connection with Top Wood's owner began as a part-time polo groom, which led to her training pointers.

She said: "Top Wood is such a strong traveller that I wasn't at all worried about him dropping down in trip after his third at Cheltenham. It was a case of whether he'd take to the fences and he took to them really well. He's as brave as a lion."

Morgan revealed that Top Wood had suffered a stone bruise on Wednesday and that buckets of ice were used to treat him.

Pierce Power, trainer of runner-up Burning Ambition and a cousin of jockey Robbie Power, said: "We were thrilled with our horse. The flat track here is more his thing than Cheltenham."

Road To Riches ran a gallant race to take third spot after having his momentum halted when blundering badly four out.

Jockey Patrick Mullins was suspended for two days, on dates to be notified by the BHA, for failing to attend a pre-race jockeys' briefing.

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