A Sussex jockey stunned everyone except his mother when he won the Grand National on 100-1 rank outsider Mon Mome.

Liam Treadwell, 23, of Arundel, romped home on his first attempt in the world’s most famous steeplechase.

His mother Lorraine, who backed her boy with a 50p flutter, said Liam’s victory was no fluke.

She said horse racing has always been in his blood.

He had riden ponies from an early age, while she and husband Mark worked at John Dunlop’s Arundel stables.

Castle Stables was also where a 14-year-old Liam rode his first racehorse.

Speaking shortly after the race, Liam, a former Angmering School pupil said: “It’s an absolutely unbelievable finish. I had the perfect run through the race, he jumped brilliant for me. It hasn’t sunk in yet. All I can say at this moment in time is it is unbelievable.”

His proud parents said they watched their son in action from their home on the Arundel Castle estate, in separate rooms.

Lorraine, 46, explained: “I can’t watch when Liam is jumping the fences. I close my eyes because I’m so nervous and I just want him to get round safely.

“I went upstairs to watch because I didn’t want to hear Mark saying ‘ooh’ or anything when he jumped. From a mum’s point of view, I was just relieved that he got round safe and sound and didn’t get hurt.”

Mark, 46, who met Lorraine at Dunlop’s stables, said: “He has worked very hard to get where he is and I’m proud of him.

“He was a member of the Pony Club and did cross-country riding but to win the Grand National is just amazing.”

The couple, who were swamped by neighbours and well-wishers just seconds after the finish, said despite their belief in Liam they only bet a total of £3.50 on him to win.

They plan to spend their £300 winnings on a meal to celebrate with friends and family.

John Dunlop said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the success yesterday. Winning the Grand National is a dream and a really wonderful thing to happen.”

Punters across the country kicked themselves for not betting on the 100-1 winner but none more so than the members of the Avenue Bridge Club in Hove.

The French racehorse’s owner Vida Bingham, who lives near Herons Ghyll near Uckfield, plays there and urged fellow members to place a bet last year when the horse finished 15th.

But as club member Barry Freedman, 61, from Portslade, revealed, they watched aghast this year as it galloped to victory but without a flutter from the club’s members.

He said: “We couldn’t believe it.”