THE winner of this year's Coral Welsh Grand National was Emperor's Choice after a thrilling race with drama from the start.

On Chepstow's biggest day of the year, the afternoon began sunny and dry, after persistent rain the previous day. On the track the going was heavy, soft in places.

The Welsh National trial took the fifth slot of the day, the field tackling the huge three mile, five furlong course (2m5f).

There were runners from several of the big yards but crowds cheered for last year's winner Mountainous, and Mike Tindall-owned 2012 winner Monbeg Dude.

The 19 runners of the Welsh Grand National had been whittled down to just three in contention over the last three fences. There Glenquest took a narrow lead over Benvolio, who rallied after the final fence to pass Glenquest with 50 yards to go. Seemingly held in third place, Emperor's Choice (9/1) found reserves of stamina to run on after the last and hit the front a few strides from the post to triumph by a short head. Monbeg Dude wasn't far away in fourth place with Venetia Williams and Aidan Coleman with Emperor's Choice winning first place.

Elsewhere in the race, a 2m4f maiden hurdle went to Stilletto (3/1) who, despite pulling hard in the early stages, took the lead at the fourth last and was clear two out. Tom O'Brien had to keep him up to his work after the last but Robbie Rabbit, the length and a quarter second, was flattered by his proximity at the line. The winner, who jumped well throughout, is a recent addition to the powerful Philip Hobbs stable.

Several top yards had runners in the three mile novices chase. Cogry (9/1) had fallen in his last two races but made no mistakes, coming off a strong pace to take the lead after the penultimate fence. A bold jump at the last secured victory as Allez Vic, saved for a late challenge, was never quite able to get on terms. Sam Twiston-Davies, riding for his father Nigel, had three quarters of a length to spare passing the winning post.

In the three mile handicap hurdle there was another father-and-son success with Peter Bowen training and Sean Bowen riding Awaywiththegreys (8/1), who won this race last year. After sticky jumps at the fourth and third last the grey stayed on well to deny another Welsh-trained runner, Hansupfordetroit, by a hard-fought half length.

Nigel Twiston-Davies was back in the winners enclosure after the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle thanks to the French import Bristol De Mai (6/1). Held up by Daryl Jacob, the grey was always going well, eased into the lead two out and won easily, with the useful Karezak beaten by six lengths. He looks like a candidate for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, with the proviso that his owner has another horse in that race, which is already the favourite.