Bindaree outfought the favourite Sir Rembrandt in a memorable finish to the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow today.
Carl Llewellyn brought home the 10/1 shot, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, by half a length from the 2/1 market leader after a ding-dong struggle over the last few fences.
The first two drew 22 lengths clear of the third home, Hedgehunter.
The £80,000 contest, over a stamina-sapping three miles five and a half furlongs, was run in driving rain.
"He's been in good form this season. I knew Andrew (Thornton, on Sir Rembrandt) was digging in from turning in, so I thought he didn't have a lot left," Llewellyn said.
Twiston-Davies added: "It was great. We were lucky to have had some fallers. He's a lovely horse, he's very brave and kept on going.
"He seems a different horse this season, like when he won the Grand National. If Bindaree is well, he'll go back to Aintree next April."
Thornton said: "Sir Rembrandt made a mistake five out, but got away with it. He made a good jump at the last and maybe the softer ground today suited Bindaree more than my horse."