The amateur who won Britain's most gruelling race, driven by family tragedy and cheered on by royals

Sam has won the Grand National. He has also won Cheltenham Gold Cup and King George VI Chase at Kempton and seven wins around the Aintree course. Sam runs the £300 million Portman Dental Care, which has 4,000 staff in 5 countries. His stable mate Mick Molloy promised to fix Mick's smile with an implant if Sam won. Thomas, two years younger, was diagnosed with the rare bone cancer Ewing’s sarcoma in 1995. Sam and Thomas became pals at Edinburgh and St Andrews. Kate Middleton attended Marlborough College. The left leg of Thomas was amputated below the knee.

Bella and her husband met at the races 14 years ago. Bella understands his racing commitments and work commitments.

Sam has retired from riding. He won a gruelling race on Saturday. It was driven by family tragedy and cheered on by royals. He will raise money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. The charity is based at Bone cancer Research trust. Sam will keep busy. Racing is like meditation for him. On Saturday he had a load of sand kicked in his face and the horse was going backwards 50 yards from the start.