Neptune Collonges won the 2012 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree in the closest finish ever, with a nose the winning distance.
Paul Nicholls' grey (33-1), owned by John Hales and ridden brilliantly by Daryl Jacob, was one of several horses in with a chance turning for home but the former Gold Cup third stayed on best of all to collar Sunnyhillboy (16-1) right on the line.
Joint-favourite Seabass (8-1), ridden by Katie Walsh ran a fine race in third, with Evan Williams' Cappa Bleu (16-1) back in fourth.
Fifth place went to In Compliance (100-1), whilst last-year's hero Ballabriggs ran a gallant race one position further back.
The well-fancied Synchronised unseated Tony McCoy on the way down to the start and unfortunately the Gold Cup winner suffered a fatal fall.
West End Rocker and Junior departed at the second fence, whilst Viking Blond was the very first runner to go at the first obstacle
A clearly overcome Jacob said: "You can't beat this. I was on a tough horse and I said to Paul that one day I would ride you a National winner.
"That was two years ago and now I've done it."
Nicholls said: "He's probably the best horse we've run in the race. "He's got great form, he's been placed in Gold Cups, he stays, he's genuine and Daryl gave him a fantastic ride when you analyse where he went. It's absolutely brilliant.
"It's blown Nicky Henderson out of the water now (in the trainers' championship).
"Any good race would do, but this is the race we wanted."
