Ballabriggs ensured the most famous name in Aintree history was in lights again as he grabbed John Smith's Grand National glory for Donald McCain, son of Ginger McCain, trainer of the legendary Red Rum.
Jason Maguire's mount (14-1) was prominent throughout and found enough on the gruelling run-in to hold the challenge of Oscar Time by two and a quarter lengths, with last year's winner Don't Push It a gallant third under top weight and State Of Play fourth.
Maguire, who had to pass the doctor on Friday after a bad fall and was in danger of missing the ride, could have ridden winner Silver Birch in the 2004 renewal but stayed loyal to McCain's Cloudy Lane and probably thought his chance of glory had gone.
He said: "This is crazy. It's a dream come true. I tried to get in the first 10 early on so if he did make a mistake we hadn't as much ground to make up - he loved it and was jumping from fence to fence.
"I got him to the front to get him relaxed and put breathers into him and that helped him get the trip. There was a question mark about him getting the trip, but Donald has done a great job. I don't know what I feel. I'm just overwhelmed, I'm sure it will sink in later."
McCain added: "It's just fantastic for all involved. I've been associated with the Grand National all of my life.
"He is a big, honest horse. You only have to look at him to know he would be a quality staying chaser. Jason even got off him when he got beat in a novice chase at Catterick and said he might be a National horse one day.
"Good horses are easy to train. Everything has gone smoothly all year and he had a nice prep at Kelso last time. He's just an absolute pleasure to deal with. I know he's won a Grand National, but he is."
A tearful Ginger McCain said: "It just proves that a good trainer can come from anywhere, despite the breeding! Aintree always comes up with wonderful stories and it is the case again today."
Trevor Hemmings, celebrating his second success after Hedgehunter in 2005, said: "It's great. I had my heart in my mouth but it has all worked out. I was stunned last time and rightfully so as no-one has a right to that trophy. You can't describe the feeling, it's incredible."
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