Timmy Murphy staved off thoughts of retirement for at least another season with a magical ride aboard Poker De Sivola in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.
After this reinvigorating success, the 36-year-old revealed he had become so disillusioned with the lack of rides he has received this season that he had seriously considered quitting.
But he displayed his trademark mastery on the Ferdy Murphy-trained Poker De Sivola, a complex individual who was making a quick reappearance after unseating Graham Lee at the 11th fence of last weekend's Scottish National.
The 11-1 shot was right at the back for much of the way on a scorching afternoon in Esher and although he began to progress through the field, he looked a lost cause jumping the Pond Fence three from home.
But Murphy persevered and Poker De Sivola crept into contention before charging up the hill in another famous finish to the race to beat Faasel by two and a quarter lengths, with Baby Run third.
"When you drive for three and a half hours for one ride, you find it a bit demoralising and there have been times this year when I have considered not continuing," said Murphy.
"This has probably been my lowest total of winners (32) in a season since I was a conditional. I appreciate those who have continued to support me and David Johnson (the winning owner) has always been there. If it wasn't for him, I'd be gone.
"These are the days you wait for and luckily we have some nice horses to look forward to and I'm going to go for another season. As long as I've got David, I'll keep going."
Murphy, who picked up a two-day whip ban, continued: "It was really enjoyable, but he (Poker De Sivola) is a bit of an enigma. You have to sort of not try, and kid him along, and the more you do that the more he enjoys it. He loves passing horses."
Johnson added: "If he had not unseated Graham Lee in the Scottish National last weekend we wouldn't be here. Even at the third-last I was wondering what the prize-money for fourth was! Timmy gave him a brilliant ride - he is a great horseman."
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