Rule The World was the toast of Mullingar as the Crabbie's Grand National winner paraded through the streets on Sunday afternoon.
A crowd of well over 1,000 flocked to see the Mouse Morris-trained nine-year-old - who could have run his last race - following his performance under teenage rider David Mullins at Aintree.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding returned as the first Irish winner of the world's most famous steeplechase since Silver Birch in 2007.
With most vantage points taken, gardai stopped the traffic as the star attraction arrived in a black horsebox preceded by a couple of Range Rovers before making his way up and down the main street and then into the nearby park.
Morris was still pinching himself the morning after what was an emotional success.
Named to be a superstar, Rule The World has suffered his fair share of problems in recent years, breaking his pelvis on two occasions, but has been brilliantly nursed back to full health by his popular trainer.
He arrived on Merseyside a maiden over fences after 13 starts, but broke his duck in the grandest manner.
Morris said: "It is unbelievable. I'm humbled by it, to be honest. It hasn't sunk in properly yet.
"The horse is in great form this morning. You wouldn't believe it but you could run him again today. It's unbelievable."
It has been a traumatic 12 months for the County Tipperary handler following the tragic death of his son, Christopher, last summer.
Morris - who won the Irish Grand National with Rogue Angel on Easter Monday - was reduced to tears and lost for words in the immediate aftermath and admits he could not believe what he was seeing.
"Watching the race I thought we were going to be third and I was going to be very happy with that. It would have been a fantastic run," he said.
"From where I was watching it, I didn't really believe it until he passed the winning post.
"He's a horse I always thought an awful lot of until he had his injuries. He's a typical National horse - he's a big horse that jumps well and has a bit of class.
"The funny thing is he's actually a good ground horse. Because of his injuries, his rear end isn't as strong as it should be muscle-wise and I think the better the ground the better he is."
Owner Michael O'Leary hinted after the race Rule The World could be retired - and reiterated that decision could be made in the summer - but Morris is keen to enjoy the moment before considering future plans.
He said: "I'd say it's very unlikely he'll run again this year, anyway.
"We'll let the smoke clear and dust settle and we'll see where we are after that.
"The horse won't be abused, that is for sure."
Morris was also keen to praise winning rider Mullins, adding: "David could have bottled it at the last and gone too soon, but he waited until the bend. He's probably an old brain on young shoulders.
"He was very cool, that's for sure - cooler than I was!
"He'd arrived before yesterday. He's one of the top conditional jockeys and has always stood out."
