Sam Waley-Cohen.Photo: Jon Super/AP/Shutterstock
Prince WilliamandKate Middletonhave one very talented friend.
“I can’t say anything; I can’t believe it,” the 39-year-old jockey said upon accepting the victory. “I have to say thank you, as it’s my last ever ride, to Dad [Robert Waley-Cohen, Noble Yeats' owner] — he’s had unwavering belief and love for 23 years.”
“It’s been a love affair. That’s beyond words; it’s a fairytale and a fantasy,” Sam continued. “I’m full of love and happiness and gratefulness.”
Any Second Now came in second as the 15-2 favorite, Delta Work (10-1) was third, and Santini finished fourth at 33-1. Noble Yeats is the first horse aged seven to win since Bogskar in 1940,BBC Sportsreports.
Kate Middleton and Sam Waley-Cohen.Indigo/Getty
“It’s the dream come true; I can’t speak — it’s just fabulous,” he said. “I feel like quoting Shakespeare — my cup runneth over. I’m really emotional.”
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also celebrated Sam’s win on Twitter. “Huge congratulations to @swaleycohen for winning the Grand National,” they wrote. “What a way to retire!”
Sam was one of the guests at William and Kate’s wedding in 2011. His brother Thomas, who tragically died from cancer at the age of 20 in 2004, attended Marlborough College with Kate.
Due to his amateur status, the winning jockey will not receive any prize money,DailyMailreports. According to the outlet, Sam is also an owner of a dental care company.
“A month ago we were probably more confident, but the more it went on, other people’s chances were being talked up and we went a bit cold. But we knew the form was there,” he shared.
source: people.com
