Jockey Tony McCoy won his first Grand National steeplechase in his 15th attempt yesterday, guiding 10-1 joint favorite Don't Push It past Black Apalachi down the straight for a five-length victory.

State Of Play went one better than last year by finishing third in the grueling 4½-mile (7.2-kilometer), 30-fence race at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.

Joint favorite Big Fella Thanks was fourth with jockey Barry Geraghty on board because Ruby Walsh was hurt in an earlier race.

McCoy was in tears after finally winning the race and plugging a gap in a career that includes finishing 14 years as Britain's top rider.

"It's everything to win the Grand National," McCoy said. "I have won lots of great races but I am supposed to be a great rider and to not have won it was a big gap in the CV. I am delighted."

McCoy also produced a first Grand National winner for owner JP McManus and trainer Jonjo O'Neill.

"I thought it would never happen to me but am delighted it's happened," O'Neill said. "It doesn't get much better."

Last year's winner Mon Mome fell at the 26th fence, while Nina Carberry, who was attempting to become the first woman to win the race on Character Building, finished seventh.