Tony McCoy finally won the Grand National at the 15th

attempt as the world’s greatest steeplechase took

place at Aintree, where JMU Journalism also had a winner.

Champion jockey McCoy guided 10-1 joint-favourite Don’t Push It to a

five-length victory over Black Apalachi, with State of Play third and

Big Fella Thanks in fourth.

Coleen Rooney was at Aintree to present the award for Best Dressed in

the Style 2010 competition, which was won by JMU Journalism’s

Entertainment Reporter, Sophie Fairclough. Sophie beat just under

2,000 entrants to win a brand new car, a holiday for two in Barbados,

and her own photoshoot in London.

Sophie, daughter of Liverpool legend David Fairclough, wore an emerald

green outfit when she was presented with her prizes, and the first year

student said afterwards: "I still can't believe it, definitely hasn't hit me yet."

She was named the winner out of five finalists, chosen by judges

including TV make-over stars Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan, Hollyoaks

actor Ricky Whittle, and Cricket fashion guru Justine Mills.

Sophie added: "The day is still a blur, I can't believe this has happened

to me. It's the kind of thing that never happens to you or anyone you know

- it's so surreal. I am so shocked. I only entered with the girls as a bit of

fun. I had no idea I would get to the final five never mind win. The pain of

my shoes was definitely worth it!"

In the big event on Saturday, Northern Irishman McCoy, who has ridden

more than 3,000 winners in his illustrious career, ended a losing streak

of 14 previous races to win the one that meant most to him.

Fighting back tears after the race, McCoy said: “It means everything to

me to win the Grand National. I've won lots of big races and I'm

supposed to be a good jockey, but to not win the Grand National would

be a bit of a negative on the CV."

The result was a disaster for bookmakers, with punters around the

country keeping faith with McCoy to back Don’t Push It from 20-1 at the

beginning of the day, to 10-1 at the off. Money spent on bets for the

Grand National was expected to reach around £300m.

40 runners lined up to start the race, although King John's Castle

refused to start, and most were still in contention at the beginning of the

second circuit, with 14 finishing the course.

The four-mile four-furlong race is the ultimate test for a horse and jockey, with some of the largest and most difficult jumps in racing, including famous hurdles such as The Chair, Becher’s Brook and the Canal Turn.

The 163rd running of the famous race was the main event of the successful three-day meeting, which saw more than 150,000 people flock to Aintree. 70,000 race-goers attended on Saturday to watch the

Grand National and enjoy the glorious weather.

Thursday saw the first ever Liverpool Day, a celebration of culture in the city, and Friday was the annual Ladies’ Day, which has become a fashion parade for women in Liverpool.