Pulborough jockey Leighton Aspell has won the 2015 Grand National on Many Clouds (25/1).

Leighton, who won the race last year, told The Argus yesterday it would be "madness to win again".

The Irishman, 38, gave the Oliver Sherwood-trained Hennessy Gold Cup winner a patient ride and avoided trouble in-running to finish little more than a length ahead of Saint Are (25/1).

For a long way it appeared Shutthefrontdoor could provide Tony McCoy with a fairytale second National triumph before his retirement, but he eventually weakened into fifth place.

Many Clouds tired from the elbow, but had enough in the tank to hold off Saint Are, with Monbeg Dude third and Alvarado fourth.

Aspell said: "It was wonderful and we will certainly celebrate tonight. I asked some big questions, but he dug deep.

"We really refreshed and recharged his battery, and I tried to conserve energy. He is all heart - all season he has had hard races.

"Win lose or draw, that's the best ride I have had in the National. I just hoped his battery life lasted out and it did. "

Aspell's story is all the more remarkable considering the fact he retired from the game in 2007, only to return more than a year later. 

Since then he has won the 2014 Grand National, the Hennessey Gold Cup in December, the BetBright Chase at Cheltenham in January and now a second National victory. 

He told The Argus last year how 2014 had been his "best year ever" - though clocking his second Grand National victory today may eclipse that. 

There was brief concern immediately following the race for exhausted winner Many Clouds, who was wobbly on his feet as he walked to the winner's enclosure.

Such was the concern for his well-being, he swerved the waiting crowd and was instead taken to a veterinary area to cool down. 

Trainer Oliver Sherwood said: "I didn't see my horse come back in, so I was a bit worried, but I gather he was just a bit wobbly and he's OK.

"Jumping the last I couldn't watch. I watched the race on my own and the poor people beside me - I lost it completely.

"It was some spin from Leighton - to win it two years on the bounce is just unreal."

Aspell's second consecutive Grand National win puts him in good company with Brian Fletcher, who partnered the famous Red Rum to victory in 1973 and 1974.

Arundel jockey Liam Treadwell finished third on 40-1 shot Monbeg Dude.

Treadwell, who won the National in 2009, was taking his first ride in the big race since 2010. 

More to follow...