Bindaree clinches National in dramatic finish

Bindareem, a 20/1 chance, rallied on the run-in to beat What`s Up Boys in a thrilling finish to the 2002 Martell Grand National at Aintree this afternoon.

The runner-up, who was sent-off at 10/1, looked set to complete the Hennessy/National double as he went two lengths clear after the last.

However Richard Johnson`s mount wandered towards the centre of the course and that proved crucial.

Jim Cullotty, who picked up the spare ride on the winner when Jamie Goldstein broke his leg earlier in the week, switched to the inside and Bindaree began to rally.

He was back in front 100 yards from the post and ran on strongly for a length-and-three-quarters success.

Culloty was also completing a remarkable double after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Best Mate last month.

Blowing Wind, who was sent-off as the 8/1 favourite, was 27 lengths away in third with Kingsmark (16/1) fourth.

Winning jockey Culloty was understandably delighted.

He said: 'My immediate reaction is that he`s a brilliant jumper. 'I got a bit long at the last and he really got me out of jail.

'I was having a nightmare with the loose horse and wasn`t able to kick on so he was tapped for a bit of speed.

'For a second when the other horse came past me I thought we were beat.

'But he`s as brave as they come and really stuck his neck out and did his best.

'Not in my wildest dreams could I imagine winning the National.'

The winning trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies added: 'I am very, very pleased and Jim did a good job. I watched the race with Philip Hobbs, who trains the runner-up, so it was awful for him but great for me.'

Winning owner Raymond Mould said: 'I can`t believe it - the horse has done us so proud.

'I thought we were beaten after the last but as Jim Culloty said he just put his head down abd battled.'