Encore given standing ovation by bookies

Bookmakers were celebrating in the Aintree sunshine as Auroras Encore silenced the majority of the packed grandstands with a 66-1 success in the John Smith’s Grand National.

Sue Smith’s 11-year-old claimed the world’s most famous steeplechase by nine lengths to line the layers’ pockets.

Seabass, third last year, was backed down to 11-2 favourite but was well down the field in 13th for Ted and Katie Walsh, while other leading fancies On His Own, Colbert Station and Imperial Commander failed to complete the course.