Venetia Williams and Brian Crowley teamed up to take the honours at Chepstow yesterday. The trainer-jockey combination landed the feature Coral Eurobet Welsh National with Jocks Cross, who stayed on gamely to hold the 2 to 1 favourite Moral Support by two and a half lengths.

Edmund and Ambleside led the field in the early stages with Suny Bay, Moral Support and Jocks Cross all racing in touch.

Going down the back straight for the final time in the extended 3m 5f test Moral Support took the lead closely tracked by Jocks Cross.

The pair soon established a clear advantage and four out it was 14 to 1 chance Jocks Cross who jumped to the front and he maintained his lead to the line.

Jocks Cross returned to the winner's enclosure with blood pouring from his nose and Williams remarked: "If they do that they normally pull up. He burst once before at Punchestown."

Jocks Cross was reversing Rehearsal Chase form with yesterday's runner-up, who had beaten Williams' charge three and a half lengths here earlier this month. "Jocks Cross jumped fantastic today - Brian gave him a lovely ride," Williams added.

"I never dreamt that he could beat the second. The only thing I was confident about was that he was in very good form but there wasn't much wrong with him when he was second to that horse last time."

The nine-year-old will not be going for the Martell Grand National according to Williams.

Conditional rider Crowley was enjoying his biggest success. He said: "That was great and is without a doubt my best win. He jumped well and I was quite pleased when Moral Support went on turning in - I had him covered."

Moral Support's trainer Charlie Mann was not too disappointed with the favourite's run. He said: "No excuses. He ran his heart out. We'll probably look at the Midlands Grand National with him and he'll be entered in the Grand National as well."

Young Kenny, a late withdrawal, and Edmond are also pencilled in for the Uttoxeter race.

Williams and Crowley had earlier set up a 38 to 1 double when Harvis cruised home in the betexchange.co.uk Handicap Hurdle.

There was a French one-two in the Grade One Welsh Finale Junior Hurdle when Jair du Cochet, trained near Bordeaux by Guillaume Macaire, came home four lengths clear of Francois Doumen's Bilboa.

Under a positive ride from Jaques Ricou, Jair du Cochet led after the third flight and, jumping accurately, galloped on resolutely to land the £17,400 first prize by four lengths to earn a quote of 10 to 1 from Coral for the Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle.

"The horse came over on Sunday and has been staying at Martin Pipe's yard," revealed Macaire, who is the leading trainer numerically in France having sent out 157 winners by the end of November. "I was pleased with today's result because Francois Doumen beat me last time.

"All the doors are open now and he'll go for the Triumph Hurdle - God willing."

Macaire and Ricou completed a 55 to 1 brace when Imperial de Thaix came home unchallenged in the Tintern Abbey Novices' Chase.