Sir Richard Branson says he was "born under a lucky star" after he won two incredible horse racing bets.
The billionaire backed 50-1 Grand National winner Noble Yeats, ridden by his friend Sam Waley-Cohen in his last race before retirement. Branson, 71, the founder of Virgin with an estimated net worth of $5billion (£3.83bn), watched Saturday's race at Aintree with his family. He posted a picture from his lavish home on Necker Island, showing them all gathered around the screen to cheer on the huge outsider. Noble Yeats kept up amateur rider Waley-Cohen's great record over the National fences by seeing off the favourite Any Second Now.
Branson said: "I’ve only bet on horses twice in my life – a 100-1 winner at the Kentucky Derby, and our dear friend Sam Waley-Cohen’s incredible 50-1 winner at the Grand National! Congratulations Sam and all the family. Sam has now retired from racing horses. I'm now planning to retire from betting on horses!"
