Racing: Miko De Beauchene got up in the final strides to nail top-weight Halcon Genelardais and claim the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow.
It was an emotional result for all concerned as the winner's trainer Robert Alner is currently recovering in hospital after a car accident.
Andrew Thornton galvanised the 13-2 chance after the last to deny last year's winner, who put up an amazing performance under 11st 12lb.
Halcon Genelardais (17-2) looked to have stolen the race with a super leap over the second last but Thornton refused to be beaten and eventually the huge weight difference told with a head separating the pair.
Over The Creek (10-1) stayed on for third for David Pipe while the front-running Naunton Brook ran a cracker to finish fourth at 33-1.
Gungadu was sent off the 4-1 favourite and held every chance with half a mile to go along with stablemate Geeveem, but both faded in the finish.
Not Left Yet was also well fancied but he parted company with Timmy Murphy in front of the stands with a circuit to run.
Thornton said: "What can you say? The horse is very gusty and very tough. And just like his trainer, very genuine."
Sally Alner, wife of the winning handler, added: "That was unbelievable and I just hope Robert saw it."
Thornton continued: "We all wish Robert could have been here saddling the horse up but there is no better tonic for him than this.
"Coming up to the last I thought I had one more roll of the dice to get his nose in front and he just kept on going for me.
"I was never confident that I had won so I was very happy when I heard the result."
Noel Williams, assistant trainer to Alan King who sent out the runner-up, said: "Everything was suitable for him today, the ground and the track.
"It's a shame but it was still a great performance.
"He won't be running in the Aintree Grand National so I suppose he will have to come back for this again next year."