THERE was Grand National success for Gloucestershire horses over the weekend.

Four of the top five runners were local horses including third place Monbeg Dude who is owned by Mike Tindall and other ex-Gloucester rugby players.

The Oliver Sherwood trained Many Clouds came in the winner at 25/1 and its second jockey, former Fairford schoolboy Tom Garner, was thrilled to see it putting on a good run.

“Everything went his way, especially as he hadn’t even seen a national fence before,” said Tom.

“Oliver didn’t want him panicking or to interrupt his training so the first time he’d seen one was at the first.”

Sherwood was in two minds about running Many Clouds going into the National but his faith in the horse was vindicated by a consistent run.

“Oliver didn’t want to run him,” said Tom.

“He’d had a hard season leading up to Sunday so it wasn’t going to be an easy race.

“He’s only had four runs this season, but they’ve all been top class races.

“We’d trained him for the Gold Cup but he just didn’t run his race at Cheltenham; we’re not sure why.

“He still wasn’t firing home before the National, but he’s such a brave horse, you know he would die for you.

“If you asked him to run another mile he would and that’s why he went a bit wobbly after the National; he gives it his all right until the finish.”

Following some concern over the horse’s health after the race, Tom insists Many Clouds has recovered well.

“I saw him earlier and he’s perfect,” said Tom.

“He was loving all the attention at the parade.”