Comply or Die wins the Grand National

The nine-year-old horse ran a superb race under the whip of jockey Timmy Murphy, roared on by the Aintree crowd.

Murphy waited with his mount until after the last fence and got a great response from the nine-year-old when he asked him to put his seal on the race.

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Grand National fever gripped the country with punters staking an estimated £250m on the big race.

And they were rewarded with a good showing as the notoriously unpredicatable British weather held, helping produce a fiercely contested race.

The race began with Comply Or Die saw out the trip well to see off King Johns Castle (20-1) by four lengths, while Snowy Morning and Slim Pickings took third and fourth respectively.

Rarely can so many horses have been in contention as the field approached the final few fences in the four-and-a-half-miler.

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Having gone only a sensible pace, a number of the leading players, including Comply Or Die, Slim Pickings, Bewleys Berry and Chelsea Harbour, were all moving well with four to jump.

While King Johns Castle was just hacking in behind, it soon became apparent that Comply Or Die was the one going best of all as he jumped the penultimate obstacle alongside Snowy Morning.

Murphy was keen not to push the button too soon and sat still until going for home on the famous run to the Elbow.

At that point, Snowy Morning, who blundered at the last, looked to be staging a renewed effort as King Johns Castle also put his best foot forward.

However, Comply or Die was very game in front and picked up when required to see off the Arthur Moore-trained contender.

Murphy, winning the race at the 12th attempt, told BBC Sport: "I can't believe it yet, it's the best ride I've ever had over these fences.

"He got into a lovely rhythm and he jumped fantastic, he picked up again when Paul (Carberry, on King Johns Castle) came at me.

"It's not sunk in, I'm delighted for David Pipe and my boss David Johnson (owner), it's a race he's always wanted to win."

An emotional Pipe said: "I can't really describe it.

"Gordon Elliott trained last year's winner and is a good friend, he was one of the first to come and congratulate me.

"It's great for everyone, for the whole team. We couldn't do any of it without them.

"I've had a great teacher in my father (Martin), David Johnson has been brilliant and Timmy gave him a fantastic ride."

GRAND NATIONAL - Aintree 4.15

1 Comply Or Die (T J Murphy) 7-1 Jt Fav

2 King Johns Castle (P Carberry) 20-1

3 Snowy Morning (D J Casey) 16-1

4 Slim Pickings (B J Geraghty) 10-1

40 ran

Also: 7-1 Jt Fav Cloudy Lane

CSF: £148.57

Tricast: £2268.11