WELSH NATIONAL:DREAM ALLIANCE and Tom O'Brien both returned from major injuries to combine for victory in a pulsating Welsh National at Chepstow yesterday.

For the horse, an accident at Aintree in April 2008 had very nearly spelled the end of his racing career, while O’Brien had only recently returned to the saddle after breaking his right leg after a mishap in the paddock at Hereford in June.

The Welsh National remains one of the most serious endurance events in the sport and after more than three and a half miles on ground that needed to be inspected four times before racing could go ahead, only three-quarters of a length separated an exhausted Dream Alliance (20 to 1) from a fast closing Silver By Nature.

O’Brien said: “Amazing. I’ve only had about 12 rides since I came back.

“I had a couple of seconds and thirds and I thought I was doing something wrong, but this horse is a courageous animal.

“I broke my leg when a horse reared over on top of me and I was out for a couple of months, but this makes it all worthwhile. I love this game.”