Davy Russell dedicates Grand National victory aboard Tiger Roll to Pat Smullen

Watch a full replay of the Randox Health Grand National won by Tiger Roll at Aintree on Saturday and Lydia Hislop's interviews with winning connections.

Tiger Roll and Davy Russell held on to claim a dramatic victory in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree.

Gordon Elliott's eight-year-old landed his third Cheltenham Festival success in the Cross-Country Chase last month, to go with previous victories in the Triumph Hurdle and National Hunt Chase, and was among the market principals for the world's most famous steeplechase.

Russell cut a confident figure throughout the four-and-a-quarter-mile contest on the 10-1 shot and cruised to the front in the home straight.

But just when he looked to have victory sewn up, the Willie Mullins-trained Pleasant Company, who had been ridden prominently and jumped boldly, came with a late rattle to almost join him on the line.

However, after a brief wait the judge confirmed Tiger Roll the narrow winner.

Bless The Wings, the winner's stablemate was third, and Anibale Fly was fourth, as Irish runners dominated.

Russell dedicated his victory to leading Flat jockey Pat Smullen, who was diagnosed with a tumour last month.

"I was afraid he wouldn't take to it as he's very economical with his jumping. They've done a marvellous job with this horse," he said.

"This one is for Pat Smullen. I was speaking to him the other morning and he's as tough as nails.

"I really don't know what to say."

Elliott added: "It's unbelievable. Tiger Roll is a yard favourite. It's great for the yard, for Gigginstown (House Stud, owners), for everyone."

It was a first win for the 38-year-old Davy Russell on his 14th ride in the race (The Jockey Club)

Elliott launched his career when Silver Birch became his first ever winner as a trainer in the 2007 Grand National.

Gigginstown House Stud, led by Ryanair supremo Michael O'Leary, won the National two years ago with Rule The World.

Elliott said: "I was nervous. I thought I had it, but you're so nervous watching it.

"I said I didn't appreciate the first time round. I'm definitely going to appreciate it now. It's great for my family and everyone at home.

"He's an unbelievable horse. I was fighting with Michael O'Leary telling him to keep this horse at Gigginstown when he retires and he said he wasn't good enough.

"He'd better keep him now!"

He added: "At one point I said he wasn't good enough and at one point retirement was an option, but I'm very lucky to be training for the O'Learys.

Tiger Roll added the National to three victories at the Cheltenham Festival (The Jockey Club)

"It's unbelievable for Davy Russell. He's lost his mother and I'm sure his father Gerry is very proud at home watching. He had a new baby last week, too.

"Coming here I was really worried about the ground. All the way round I couldn't believe how he was going."

The finish was symbolic of the battle between the powerhouse stables of Elliott and Mullins in Ireland.

Elliott led for much of the way in the race to be crowned champion trainer in his homeland last season, only to be caught by Mullins in the final days of the season.

This year Elliott holds a big lead heading into the final weeks and his General Principle narrowly outpointed the Mullins-trained Isleofhopendreams in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.

Elliott said: "Coming after the Cheltenham we had, we didn't dare dream this. We only beat him (Mullins) last week in the Irish National and now we've beaten him again, I can't believe it.

"Having to beat Willie is tough, he's an amazing man and sets the standards, one of the greatest of all time and to be training at the same time as him is unbelievable."

O'Leary said: "I was bloody panicking at the line, it was very close at the end and was a well-judged ride by Davy.

"It's a phenomenal training feat by Gordon. We bought him to win the Triumph Hurdle, which he won and now he has gone back to win the Cross Country and the Four Miler.

"To win the greatest steeplecahse of all is beyond my wildest dreams. He's a rat of a little thing.

"I am very fond of this horse now - I'm thinking of adopting him as my fifth child!"

Pleasant Company, ridden by Rule The World's partner David Mullins, jumped with elan on the front end, but looked booked for minor honours when Tiger Roll strode clear.

But the leader began to falter as the post loomed and Pleasant Company was finishing like a train.

There was just a head between them at the line.

Bryony Frost, riding in the race for the first time, fared best of the three female jockeys, coming home fifth aboard the Neil King-trained Milansbar.

Grand National landmarks on Saturday: