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Page last updated at 12:53 GMT, Sunday, 11 April 2010 13:53 UK

Parade in Gloucestershire for Grand National winner

Tony McCoy with Don't Push It and daughter Eve
Tony McCoy attended the parade with his wife and young daughter Eve

Hundreds of race fans have welcomed first-time Grand National winner Tony McCoy and his horse Don't Push It back to their Gloucestershire stables.

A victory parade was held in Ford, near trainer Jonjo O'Neill's yard at Jackdaws Castle.

Mr McCoy, 14-time champion jockey, said he "always hoped" he would one day win the world's greatest steeplechase.

Mr O'Neill, who never completed the course in seven rides as a jockey, said it was the biggest thrill of his life.

'It is surreal'

The winning team's dreams were fulfilled on Saturday as McCoy, 35, from Northern Ireland, finally conquered the four-and-a-half mile course at Aintree, Liverpool.

McCoy, accompanied by his wife Chanelle and two-year-old daughter Eve, was greeted by rapturous applause in Ford.

Eve waved a banner with "my daddy's the world's greatest jockey" written on it, as McCoy petted the winning horse.

"I've been trying to win the Grand National for years, so to finally win it is surreal," he said.

"Don't Push It is the greatest horse, in my mind, and will always have a special place in my heart."

Mr O'Neill, who has previously had 15 previous contenders as a trainer, described the win as a "magical moment".

He said: "It was the biggest thrill of my life. It was fantastic.

"It's something you dream about as a kid. You think it's never going to happen but you still keep dreaming."



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SEE ALSO
In pictures: Jonjo's victory parade
12 Apr 10 |  People and Places
McCoy savours 'dream' Aintree win
11 Apr 10 |  Horse Racing

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