COUNTY Durham's new sporting hero is wallowing in the glory after his amazing victory in Saturday's epic Grand National.

Red Marauder, and jockey Richard Guest, were given a heroes' welcomes on their return to the Brancepeth Manor stables of millionaire owner Norman Mason.

The 370-acre farm, in the Deerness Valley, was the centre of attention as the nation's media descended on the amusement and bingo hall owner's stables to report on the homecoming on Sunday of the 11-year-old gelding.

Among the well-wishers was Durham's Mayor, councillor George Wharton, who paid a visit to the farm where he used to "tatie-pick" in his youth to pass on civic tributes and a Mayoral Rosette to Red Marauder, on Tuesday.

Red Marauder is now enjoying time off, and is not expected to race until next National Hunt season.