The Grand National is much more than a horse race. Like the Kentucky Derby, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Melbourne Cup, it’s an all-out institution. A cultural celebration with a folklore all its own. An excuse, for those who need it, to get shipwreck drunk in a coat and tie.

The Grand National is also hard. Really hard. Some say too hard. It’s a 4-mile marathon featuring 30 jumps so brash, they have their own nicknames. It takes a heroic effort from horse and jockey to get around this course at all, let alone finish first, so it’s no surprise that winning this race is a big damn deal.

Just take a look at this scene from Sunday from Mullingar in County Westmeath, Ireland, where thousands of people flooded the streets to welcome the hometown horse Rule The World back home after winning the Grand National on Saturday.

Come on. It just doesn’t get much cooler than that. The longshot 9-year-old gelding was ridden by David Mullins, who at just 19 years of age, was riding in his first Grand National. His owners hinted that he’ll likely be retired, so what a perfect way to walk off into the sunset.

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