Many Clouds wins Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury

Owned by Trevor Hemmings, Many Clouds had not won beyond a distance of two miles and four furlongs previously. However the Oliver Sherwood-trained horse stayed on well to beat outsider Houblon Des Obeaux.

Merry King was third, with Monbeg Dude, who won the Welsh National two years ago, taking fourth.

The success gave Sherwood his first win in the race since Arctic Call back in 1990.

In the case of Aspell, 38, he had retired in 2007, but came back and won the Grand National at Aintree in April on Pineau De Rea, so to add a Hennessy Gold Cup win is an equally impressive feat.

Turning for home Many Clouds appeared to be struggling to pick up Houblon Des Obeaux, who gave Aidan Coleman a wonderful ride. But the seven-year-old kept on well for Aspell and after taking over the lead two furlongs out managed to first fend off Merry King and then a rallying Houblon Des Obeaux. After those first three, there was a big gap to Monbeg Dude.

Sherwood, who received congratulations from among others, Jamie Osborne, Arctic Call's rider in 1990, said: "It was a great ride from Leighton. I am chuffed to bits, he is a very tough horse and I am delighted for the whole team. I have to say a special thanks to Trevor Hemmings and I'm so sorry he's not here."

Aspell heralded the team spirit in the Sherwood yard, and said: "We all put a lot of work in and it is good to get the opportunity to ride these big winners. It has been a wonderful year.

"I was sitting on him for a long time and was conscious not to get to the front too soon as it was a new trip."

Of the other fancied runners, Fingal Bay never really threatened, while last year's front pair of Triolo D'Alene and Rocky Creek made no impact.

Smad Place ran well to take fifth, while Djkadam, who had cruised into contention for Ruby Walsh, was unable to stay on and eventually came in eighth.

Aspell's efforts on Many Clouds did come at a cost as he was punished by the stewards, who gave him a seven-day ban and £1,800 fine for excessive use of the whip above the permitted level.

Aspell's ban is the second in as many months received by a winning rider in a big race, with James Doyle also picking up a seven-day ban when taking the Qipco Champion Stakes aboard Noble Mission at Ascot.

On that occasion Doyle was fined £10,000, however on this occasion Aspell was only handed an £1,800 fine and suspended from December 13 to 19.