Welsh Grand National:Alan King's master plan came off and Wayne Hutchinson enjoyed the finest moment of his career as Halcon Genelardais ran out a convincing winner of the Welsh National yesterday.

Ante-post favourite for the Chepstow marathon since the markets opened following his fine staying efforts last season, not to mention a victorious pipe-opener over hurdles, the six-year-old had fewer friends on the day and was sent off at 7 to 1 joint third-favourite. Naunton Brook took over from habitual leader One Knight on the final circuit and kept the gallop up into the home straight as the winner cut through from mid-division.

With the prospects of the fancied trio Lou Du Moulin Mas, Simon and L'Aventure now fading, Halcon Genelardais struck the front three fences out, and while he was pestered by Mon Mome, a huge jump at the last sealed a four-length victory.

Juveigneur was a creditable third under a big weight.

"This is fantastic - the kind of thing you dream about," said Hutchinson, who is three from three on the horse. "He's a pleasure to ride, but for the first mile I was a bit worried he wasn't enjoying it. But he turned into the straight and picked up the bridle for the first time and from then on he travelled like a winner the whole way."

King was saddling Voy Por Ustedes to win at Kempton under stable jockey Robert Thornton, but reported: "The Welsh National has been the plan since the spring and he has put up a good performance. He has only had five runs over fences and has done it pretty well. It is great for Wayne too as he is an excellent number two jockey and he got his chance today."

Although Halcon Genelardais was cut to around 20 to 1 for the English Grand National, King added: "He won't be Aintree-bound but I wouldn't rule out him running in the Gold Cup - he will be entered in it at least."

Mon Mome's trainer Venetia Williams said: "Coming from the fourth-last to third-last I thought we might win, but we are still very happy."

Of Juveigneur, Nicky Henderson added: "It was a super run. He was going so well but we know now he doesn't stay real distances and I'd have thought something like the Betfred Gold Cup might be for him again."

A great day for Hutchinson had started with The Real Deal (18 to 1), who appreciated a step up to a stiff three miles in the Coral "Bookmaker Of The Year" Handicap Hurdle. Nick Williams's charge won by three-and-a-half lengths from The Sawyer.

Good Bye Simon (9 to 4) emerged as a legitimate Festival candidate by flying through the mud in the Grade One Coral Future Champion Finale Juvenile Hurdle. Continuing the fine record of French-bred animals in this race, the grey, trained by Thierry Doumen, was always prominent to win well by four lengths over Ned Ludd. Jockey Mick Fitzgerald said: "I rode Blue Shark to win this last year, and there wouldn't be a lot between them."

Fitzgerald had earlier been a fortunate winner aboard Afrad (13 to 8) in the the Beginners' Chase after Raffaello and High Chimes fell at the third-last fence. Having set the pace earlier, Afrad was left alone, 24 lengths in front of Ballybough Jack at the line.

Nadover (16 to 1) and Noel Fehily dug deep to take the coral.co.uk Handicap Chase.

Nictos de Bersy (14 to 1) caused something of a surprise with a resounding Novices' Hurdle win.Mutual Respect landed the odds at 8 to 15 in the Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race, though he was only workmanlike to hold The Jazz Musician by a length and a quarter under Ruby Walsh.