The death of Thomas Waley-Cohen in 2004 sparked his brother Sam’s philosophy “to make the most of life” and it climaxed on Saturday, with him bowing out from jump racing in his final ride with victory in the Grand National.

Waley-Cohen, who turns 40 next Friday, took the glory on 50/1 shot Noble Yeats with the amateur jockey’s saddle bearing Tom’s initials on it.

Thomas died in 2004 after a 10-year battle with bone cancer.

The saddle with his initials on it has been carried to some memorable victories – seven in total over the daunting National fences.

Victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2011 with Long Run was a considerable feat.

However, Saturday’s win in the world’s greatest steeplechase and in his final appearance, in his father Robert’s colours, out-stripped that.

“I think when you lose somebody you love and you lose them when you’re young, you realise to make the most of life,” said the winning jockey.

“To appreciate it and to try and approach things with an open heart and a lot of spirit.”

Waley-Cohen, whose wife Bella joined him on the podium with their two children, said Tom’s death had made him appreciate how precious every moment is.

“I just try to put a lot of energy into every day because you don’t know if it’s going to be your last day,” he said.

“It’s definitely made me want to make the most of the opportunities.

“Thanks to that I’ve had incredible opportunities and tried to make the most of the ones that I’ve had presented.”

Robert Waley-Cohen was overcome with emotion after his son had crossed the finishing line. Sam subsequently presented him with the cap he wore on his helmet, though he is also due to give him his boots as well.

Waley-Cohen senior also wears something as a permanent reminder of his late son.

“I’m wearing a wristband with Thomas’ initials on and that was woven by my wife and contains not only our racing colours but also Long Run’s tail,” he said.