The Last Samuri went so close to giving Kim Bailey his second victory in the Crabbie's Grand National.
The 8-1 joint-favourite was always in the front rank and jumped the last disputing the lead with Vics Canvas.
He fought off that 100-1 outsider but was collared by Rule The World on the long run-in and went down by six lengths.
Bailey, who won the National in 1990 with Mr Frisk, said: "Nothing is over until they cross the line, the horse tried his heart out and he jumped for fun.
"It's the longest run-in you can possibly imagine. I was standing here screaming - my voice has gone.
"We've beaten the third horse, but another horse has come on the outside from nowhere.
"I'm just so proud. We'll do it all over again next year 12lb worse off."
Owner Paul Rooney said: "He's only a baby at seven years old, next year is his year.
"This is his trial run and we're very confident about next year."
Vics Canvas ran a fantastic race to finish third after making a shuddering mistake jumping Becher's Brook the first time.
Trainer Dermot McLoughlin said: "It was unbelievable how Robbie (Dunne) came back from that mistake at Becher's. They must have lost 20 lengths, the horse tried so hard and it was a great run. Robbie was understandably very disappointed afterwards.
"It was the first time he'd had a low weight like 10st 6lb on his back. He's much better with a light weight so we were quite hopeful beforehand."
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