Mother's call has National winner Tony McCoy falling foul of law

GRAND National winner Tony McCoy came back to earth with a fixed penalty notice after being caught by police using his mobile phone at the wheel shortly after leaving Aintree racecourse.

The champion jockey, who hours earlier had ridden Don't Push It to victory, was left with a 30 fine and three points on his licence.

McCoy was pulled over as he drove along Walton Vale, Liverpool, just minutes after leaving the Aintree course on Saturday.

He reportedly answered his phone when his mother called from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, to offer her congratulations.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that a 35-year-old man from Oxfordshire was issued with a fixed penalty notice for using a mobile phone while driving."

The jockey put his brush with the law behind him as he was welcomed back to his stables by hundreds of race fans yesterday.

McCoy, 35, said: "I've been trying to win the Grand National for years, so to finally win it is surreal. Don't Push It is the greatest horse, in my mind, and will always have a special place in my heart."

McCoy had to wait 15 years to win the biggest event in the racing calendar, despite winning thousands of races in a glittering career. He added: "I don't know if it will ever sink in, the emotions are surreal. I always dreamed and hoped I would win the Grand National."