Halcon Genelardais could now be aimed at the Aintree Grand National

The Alan King-trained six-year-old had been aimed at the race and looked a class act as he triumphed by four lengths from Mon Mome.

Wayne Hutchinson kept his mount in the main pack for most of the race before taking over from long-time leader Naunton Brook with three fences to go.

He was never troubled after that and powered on to victory.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Juveigneur battled well to claim third, just ahead of Irish raider Lordofourown.

It was the third time Hutchinson had ridden Halcon Generlardais to victory and he was delighted with the success.

606 DEBATE: Your reaction to Halcon Genelardais' victory

"He's a pleasure to ride, but for the first mile I was a bit worried - he curled up into the first fence and he wasn't enjoying it," he said.

"But he turned into the straight and picked up the bridle for the first time and from then on he travelled like a winner the whole way. He galloped all the way to the line.

"It's fantastic - the kind of thing you dream about. Hopefully it's the first of many more."

Last season's Arkle Trophy winner Voy Por Ustedes completed a magical afternoon for trainer King with victory in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton, just 25 minutes later.

The 4-6 favourite was left in front when Armaturk unseated Sam Thomas at the third fence.

Jockey Robert Thornton, who was riding with a broken collarbone picked up at Exeter on Thursday, kept his mount in front and he quickened over the last two fences to win by five lengths.

Oneway flashed home to snatch the runner-up spot and relegate French raider Foreman to third.

King said: "It has been a smashing half hour and it is great for the whole yard.

"I wanted a properly-run race so it was a shame Armaturk went out, but the plan had been to go on if there wasn't any pace."

Welsh National (Chepstow)
1. Halcon Genelardais (W Hutchinson) 7-1
2. Mon Mome (L Treadwell) 14-1
3. Juveigneur (M A Fitzgerald) 11-1
4. Lordofourown (Paul Moloney) 11-1
18 ran