Grand National Result 2004

A great triumph for Ginger McCain best know for his super star horse Red Rum. Amberleigh House won the 2004 Grand National to give Ginger his fourth winner. The 12-year-old having run creditably in the race on a number of previous occasions put all his experience to use as he gamely battled on the run-in to deny 10-1 co-favourite Clan Royal by three lengths. Jockey Graham Lee, who rode Amberleigh House to finish third last year, timed his run to perfection to snatch victory in the 4m 4f marathon.

Lord Atterbury was third with last year's winner Monty's Pass fourth. McCain's reaction, "He was foot-perfect. He's a professional. He's the best thing that has happened to me for a long, long time," a tearful McCain told BBC Sport after the race. In one of the most exciting finishes of recent years, victory looked to be between three horses - Hedgehunter, Clan Royal and Lord Atterbury - who came to the final fence together; with Amberleigh House a good 10 lengths back.

Long-time leader Hedgehunter fell while Clan Royal and Lord Atterbury began to tire. But Amberleigh House had more in reserve, his jockey having kept him tucked in towards the back of the field before gradually recovering ground on the second circuit. And the 16-1 shot caught the leader Clan Royal at the Elbow to record a famous victory.

In piping Clan Royal, Amberleigh House was exacting revenge for the last time the two horses met - over the same Grand National Fences in the Tote Becher Chase last November. Four horses were sent off as 10-1 co-favourites in the Grand National but only Clan Royal finished in the places.