Cheltenham Festival runner-up Beshabar went one place better with a terrific performance from the front in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
Tim Vaughan's nine-year-old had chased home Chicago Grey in last month's National Hunt Chase but while the latter failed to get involved this time, Beshabar was always jumping well at the head of affairs and had last year's winner Merigo for company.
Always Right came from out of the pack and threatened to challenge, but Beshabar (15-2) was in determined mood and kept up the gallop all the way to the line to score by three-quarters of a length, with the rallying Merigo snatching second back close home.
Vaughan said: "It's like a dream come true. We had our first Grade One winner last week at Aintree (Saint Are) and I had a big hangover then, but after winning the Scottish National, I think I'll have a double one tomorrow!
"People have been saying we've just been training winners over the summer, so I am very grateful to Harry Findlay (part-owner) for sending me this horse that we could go to proper places with. Hopefully we'll get a few more that will be able to run in the big Saturday races now.
"Richard Johnson gave him a fantastic ride. I didn't really give him any instructions. I just told Richard we employ him because he's as good as any jockey around.
"There is no doubt we will aim him at the Aintree Grand National next season and all the plans through the season will be geared towards that."
Johnson added: "He jumped really well and enjoyed himself and I enjoyed myself as well. It's great to win this race for the first time (at the 14th attempt). He's very tough and every time Merigo came back at him, he kept pulling out more and more."
Owner Raymond Anderson Green said of the runner-up: "Of course you're always disappointed when you are beaten, but the horse has gone and run the race of his life.
"He hadn't been running too well this season, but Andrew (Parker, trainer) had him in good form and I thought if he ran to his best, he would go close. I wouldn't rule out Aintree next season, but I'm not sure he is the type of horse for there and I would like to have another crack at this."
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