Sam Waley-Cohen, ‘William and Kate’s pal’ dedicates Grand National win to late brother

Sam Waley-Cohen pal of William and Kate, navigated Noble Yeats to winin his farewell ride in the world’s most famous steeplechase, and he dedicated the win to younger brother Thomas, who had battled bone cancer for a decade.

Amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen dedicated his Grand National award to his brother, who died from cancer 18 years ago.

Waley-Cohen, got Noble Yeats to victory in his farewell ride in the world’s most famous steeplechase. He later dedicated the win to younger brother Thomas, who had battled bone cancer for a decade.

Waley-Cohen who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Long Run in 2011 told, “It’s a fairy tale, it’s a fantasy.

“Just full of love, happiness and gratefulness.

“I do think Thomas is sitting on my back, I ride with his name in my saddle.

“These days are family days, and you couldn’t make it up, could you?”

He added, “Dad has always supported me unwaveringly, we’ve never had a cross word, it’s always been for fun. It’s been a love affair. To my wife, long-suffering, they aren’t all good days, there are bad days in this sport.

“We came here thinking the sun’s out, it’s your last ride – go and have a nice spin, no expectations. Just enjoy it.
“It’s a dream. I couldn’t believe it.”

Waley-Cohen is also successful entrepreneur and owns a chain of dental practices under the Portman Dentalcare umbrella.

Cohen said, “I think that might be my 40th time riding here and Saturday will be my last ride,”

“I’m going to retire, hopefully in the Grand Natyional,

“I’ve had such an amazing time. I’m 40 this year and I couldn’t have imagined the days I’ve had and I’d love to do it at Aintree. The course has been so special to me, so it felt like this was the right moment.”