That those dreams were dashed by the might of the most powerful trainer and owner in National Hunt racing - and others from Ireland - did not matter.
For a good four miles, Kitty's Light threatened to produce the most heartwarming Grand National win since cancer survivor Bob Champion triumphed on Aldaniti 43 years ago.
For a good four miles, Kitty's Light a horse that cost a meagre five grand - looked as though he might give trainer Christian Williams a victory that would have been worth a princely sum, but would actually have been priceless.
Kitty's Light was the public's horse in this instalment of the world's greatest race, having been an inspiration and a tonic for the Williams family, whose six-year-old daughter Betsy is battling leukaemia.
And when I Am Maximus and Paul Townend (below), in those green and gold colours of multi-millionaire JP McManus, was greeted by all-conquering trainer Willie Mullins in a raucous Aintree winners' enclosure, a poignant scene was being played out no more than 100 yards away.
In a quiet cooling-down area, jockey Jack Tudor dismounted from Kitty's Light and Betsy gave the horse a loving pat.
This story is from the April 14, 2024 edition of The Sunday Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 14, 2024 edition of The Sunday Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
We're all about the blue ribbon thinking
CHANCE TO BECOME HISTORY-MAKERS IS DRIVING CITY ON, SAYS RODRI
KANE IS READY FOR THE FIRST BELL
Bayern legend: Harry must be at his best to KO Madrid
IT'S CARE FREE
Scrum-half lucky to avoid red in 10-try helter-skelter game
GLOVE STORY
New European champion Helen: Vital to talk about being a mum in sport...although I'm faster now with three kids
BANGED UP
Albanian inmates deported from UK enjoy cushy prisons with 'love rooms'
GYM PEST CASES RISE BY A THIRD
Safety fear as 173 women targeted in 2023
DANCING KILLER
Carefree jig by callous teacher who hid lover's body in garden
All I ever wanted was to be taken seriously
TED LASSO STAR HANNAH ON FINDING FAME
Fans are still up for the cup (replays)
1,000 in demo to give FA plan the boot
Rageh: I was determined to finish news
Star recovering after falling ill live on air