The Grand National brought an array of emotions for Robert Atwell when the horse he co-owns fell at the 26th of 29 fences (the Canal Turn on the second circuit was omitted).

The Druids Nephew is trained at Conkwell Grange stables in Winsley, near Bradford on Avon by Neil Mulholland, and is part owned by Mr Atwell of Atwell Martin Estate Agents, which has offices in Chippenham, Calne and Swindon.

Mr Atwell cheered on the horse from the paddock at Aintree race course, and for the majority of the race 14 to 1 favourite Druids Nephew seemed a strong contender, up among the leaders, before its fall.

He said: “I’m happy and sad in one emotion. Before the race it was nerves and excitement.

“I’m sad because he fell but happy because he was running so well and, of course, happy because the horse is well and it bodes well for future races.

“I haven’t had chance to talk to the jockey yet to see what happened because he jumped all the difficult ones and it was just a little one that he fell at. But that’s racing.”

Jockey Aidan Coleman said: "He just got in a bit deep. He was running really well and travelled like a dream. I'm absolutely gutted."

Swindon jockey Wayne Hutchinson pulled up Godsmejudge, trained by Barbury Castle handler Alan King before the 29th.

Hutchinson said: "I had a fantastic ride from him. He jumped great and travelled away lovely, but he faded out of it and when he wasn't going to be in the money I looked after him.

"He gave me a lovely ride."