LAST Saturday Leighton Aspell became the first jockey since Red Rum's rider Brian Fletcher to win back-to-back Grand Nationals when he steered Hennessy Gold Cup hero Many Clouds to a storming success in the £1 million Crabbie's-backed event on Saturday.

Aspell, successful 12 months ago on the Richard Newland-trained Pineau De Re, gave the 25-1 winner a peach of a ride and the pair came home a length and three-quarters in front of Saint Are, who was also 25-1.

Monbeg Dude was third at 40-1, while 20-1 chance Alvarado continued Paul Moloney's remarkable record in the race by claiming fourth - the seventh successive time the rider has made the frame in the world's most famous jumps race.

However, there was no fairytale ending for retiring champion jockey Tony McCoy, who was fifth on Shutthefrontdoor, his 20th and final National ride.

The result makes Aspell the first jockey since Bryan Marshall in 1954 to win the National in consecutive years on different horses, while it was a third triumph for owner Trevor Hemmings, whose famous, green, white and yellow silks were carried to victory by Hedgehunter in 2005 and Ballabriggs in 2011.

It was, however, a first National success for trainer Oliver Sherwood, who thought Many Clouds was a year too young for the race, but bowed to Hemmings' desire to run.

Sherwood need not have worried though, as Many Clouds, who flopped when fancied for last month's Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Aspell enjoyed what looked a dream run over Aintree's famous fences.

The eight-year-old, conceding weight to 37 of his 38 rivals, raced handily and was left in front when The Druids Nephew slithered on landing five out. Shutthefrontdoor and McCoy were stalking him closely, but Aspell seemed confident when stealing a look at his toiling rivals two out and despite his mount understandably tiring the rider was able to celebrate Mickael Barzalona-style in the saddle, standing up and punching the air as he crossed the line.

"It's wonderful and we'll celebrate tonight," said the 39-year-old Aspell, who retired from riding in 2007, but returned two years later.

"He gave his all - that was some ride. I asked some big questions and he dug deep. I tried to conserve energy because he had a tough race in the Gold Cup, but my God it's a wonderful training performance from Oliver to refresh and recharge his batteries. He's all heart and all the way round I was thinking this is the best ride I've had over these fences - he was awesome. I was just hoping the battery life would last and it did."

Back to domestic action, Carlisle raced on Tuesday and ran out an easy winner of the opening handicap hurdle for Phil Kirby and James Reveley.

Afterwards the winning rider, who is enjoying a fine season, said: "Courtown Oscar wanted every yard of that trip. He´s quite laid back, he just does what he has to. He´s a big scopey horse and he´s going to be a chaser rather than a hurdler."

The concluding bumper was won in very game style by Down The Line, another winner for Alan Swinbank who does so well in these types of races.

Beverley got heir season underway on Wednesday and James Bethell stole the bragging rights with a fine double on the day.

The first winner was Briardale, a very impressive two-year-old that looks a well above average recruit.

True Please completed the double, swooping late under Ted Durcan and his a inform likeable filly that should remain competitive.

Today the flat season steps up a gear at Newbury's with an informative eight-race card on day one of the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials Meeting.

One of the highlights is the £16,000 Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup EBF Stallions Conditions Stakes over 10 furlongs.

Last year's renewal saw subsequent Group Two scorer Western Hymn get the better of Snow Sky, who went on to finish third in the Ladbrokes St Leger in September.

Lord Ben Stack, trained in Middleham by Karl Burke, beat the highly-regarded Dissolution in a mile maiden at Haydock Park and was fifth to Elm Park in the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes over the same distance at Newmarket in September.

Speaking yesterday, Burke reported: "Lord Ben Stack is in good shape and we are looking forward to Friday.

"He wasn't disgraced in the Royal Lodge but some of our horses tailed off towards the end of last season and we were a little disappointed. Things did not pan out ideally for him during the race as he raced alone and ran with the choke out.

"We think he is better than that and he has been working nicely at home. It is his first run of the year, so he will improve, but this is a nice place to start.

"He is in the Dante and the Derby, and the dream is still alive."