Silver stars for Ireland in National

Irish raider Silver Birch caused a minor surprise as he claimed the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree.

Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Robbie Power, the 10-year-old jumped to the front at the second-last.

He stayed on well after The Elbow to hold the late thrust of McKelvey, with Slim Pickings in third and Philson Run fourth.