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Tony McCoy's quest to end his record-breaking career with victory in the most-famous jumps race of all may have ultimately come up short but the 19-times champion jockey will take fond memories of his final ride in the race aboard Shutthefrontdoor.
The form book will say Shutthefrontdoor finished a comfortably-beaten fifth as the 6-1 favourite, but for three-quarters of the marathon contest a fairytale ending and a bookmaker bashing looked a distinct possibility.
"I really thought for a long way he could win," commented McCoy, whose retirement is on hold until April 25 at Sandown. "I wouldn't mind riding him next year! I'm going to miss riding horses and in races like that. It's my last National and a very enjoyable one."
Never out of the first quarter of the field, bypassing the Canal Turn on the second circuit Shutthefrontdoor looked to have a perfect spot behind the eventual winner with Saint Are, who went on to finish second, in close proximity.
However, from the fourth-last McCoy started to crouch lower in the saddle and by the Elbow his mount was running purely on adrenalin, eventually fading to fifth.
"I was very happy all the way round," added McCoy. "Between the fourth-last and third-last, when I was going up behind Many Clouds who I know is a dour stayer, I thought he's going to be tough to pass.
"From the third-last I was running on empty but I've had a great ride off him. Jonjo had him in great shape and he jumped fantastic.
"Well done to Leighton Aspell, Oliver Sherwood and Trevor Hemmings; it's great for them."
Nina Carberry, bidding to become the first female jockey to win the race, finished a well-beaten 16th of 19 finishers on First Lieutenant.
Weighing room colleague Davy Condon was taken to Aintree University Hospital suffering with concussion after a fall from Portrait King but was later reported to have escaped serious injury. He was to be kept in overnight for observation.
Having been down for some time following a fall at the Canal Turn first time, Balthazar King was able to get to his feet before being taken to the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital for further assessment and appropriate care.
All other horses were reported to have returned safely.
