Lizzie Kelly was the big winner on the opening day of the 2017 Grand National after Tea For Two won the Betway Bowl.
The jockey, 23, was unseated at the second fence on the horse at last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup but rode the 10-1 shot to victory at Aintree.
Last year’s winner Cue Card was forced to settle for second-best despite leading up until Tea For Two pulled level with three lengths remaining on the course.
“It’s been a tough road to here,” admitted Lizzie.
“I didn’t ride a winner at Cheltenham this year, but I’ve had my reward. I didn’t appreciate the first Grade One I won, but this one I definitely do.
“That was fantastic. We were quietly confident going into the Gold Cup but our dreams were taken away from us.
“Tea For Two is a horse who has produced it time and time again for me and my family.
“All the people at home put in a lot more work than I do and I just get the opportunity to ride them.
“It was a dream ride, although I wasn’t sure how well he was travelling. He is just class.”
There was redemption for fellow Cheltenham shortfalls as 5/1 shot Flying Angel edged out Cloudy Dream by a length to take the Novice’s Chase.
Defi Du Seuil maintained his unbeaten run on British soil with a length-and-a-half win over Divin Bere in the Doom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle.
Elsewhere Nicky Henderson’s Buveur D’Air comfortably saw off stable-mate My Tent Or Yours by five clear lengths in the Betway Aintree Hurdle.
In the Hunters’ Chase, 15-year-old Big Fella Thanks sprung the surprise of the day in finishing behind runner-up Balnaslow and winner Dineur.
Katie Walsh is a doubt to ride Wonderful Charm in Saturday’s main event after suffering a heavily bruised arm in a fall on Distime during the race.
Double Ws saw off competition from Theinval and Bun Doran in the Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase while Richard Hobson enjoyed his first Aintree win in the last race of the day with 14/1 Dame Rose edging the Gr2 Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Bumper by half a length.