IF the John Smith’s Grand National brings out the best in ability, it also shows the true sportsmanship of the racing fraternity.

There were no real regrets of what might have been for those horses immediately behind winner Don’t Push It. Just the joy of playing big parts in the Aintree showpiece and sharing in the joy of Tony McCoy finally ending his long wait for National success.

Connections of second home Black Apalachi, third State Of Play and Big Fella Thanks, who came fourth, are all looking to return to Aintree in 12 months for their own taster of National glory.

But for now they were happy to play supporting roles to the lead.

Jockey Denis O’Regan, on board Dessie Hughes’ Black Apalachi, said: “I’m so delighted for AP McCoy, he’s been years in the game. If anybody had to beat me I’m just glad it was him.

“My fella’s a tremendous horse and he gave me a tremendous feel. All credit to Dessie (Hughes) and the team. They had him spot on for today. He just loves bowling along, he loves this place. He was a bit keen early on but he settled into it lovely and once he got into a rhythm he was fantastic. I had a wonderful round and it’s a pleasure to ride a horse like him around here.”

Trainer Dessie Hughes said of his 11-year-old, who won the 2008 totesport Becher Chase and fell when leading at Becher’s Brook on the second circuit in last year’s National, said: “Black Apalachi was brilliant. He ran a terrific race and Denis (O’Regan) has given him a lovely ride.

“Unfortunately he hit the third-last and it took a bit out of him. He lost his position slightly and Denis had to use him up a bit. It took the sting out of him, but he still ran a good race.”

Hughes, who also saw Vic Venturi come down at the 20th fence, added: “Vic Venturi has got a little bit of a cut, but he’s okay. It’s nothing serious. The two of them have finished for the season now. We’ll have to see what Mr Smith (the handicapper) does with them now for next year.”

Under Paul Maloney, Evan Williams’ State Of Play went one better in third then last year when fourth behind Mon Mome in last year’s Aintree marathon.

He was 25 lengths off the winner, the same as last year, but his Everton-supporting trainer said yesterday: ““He’s fine, he’s grand, but he’s tired. He obviously put a lot into it,” said the Llancarfan handler.

“The race was run at such a fast pace. It was a different race to last year. It was quite brutal out there, but he stayed on very well, that was the great thing.

“He was tapped for foot when they went out on the second circuit, they quickened and then they quickened again.

“He just kept staying on and it was a brave performance by a very brave horse. He’s going to have a good, long holiday now.

“I did the silly thing and ran him in the Hennessy, so that may have taken the edge off him!

“Perhaps I ought to go there proper fresh with him next year. See if we can go straight there after 12 months. That might be the sensible thing to do!

“Plenty of 11-year-olds have a great record in the race. He’s been fourth and third and perhaps we can get him on the podium again. I think he’s improving with age.”

Big Fella Thanks, who was partnered by Barry Geraghty after Ruby Walsh broke his arm in a fall from Celestial Halo earlier in the day, again ran a great race. As like last year when he was sixth, he tired on the run-in, seemingly not quite seeing out the 4m4f trip.

Trainer Paul Nicholls, who unlike McCoy continues to wait for a first National win, said: “If he doesn’t stay I don’t know how we could get more out of him. Maybe if the ground was slower, I don’t know. Or maybe we just look for another race for him.”