Champion trainer elect Dan Skelton completed a remarkable Grand National Day when Forthfactor took the concluding Grade 2 Weatherbys bhstallions.co.uk National Hunt Flat race in the hands of stable amateur Heidi Palin for a 10,518-1 four-timer.

It was the rider’s first Aintree win, and it came at the main expense of Grand National-winning rider Paul Townend, who was beaten two and a half lengths on Look Me.

Skelton said: “We’ve had a fabulous meeting and the horses have been brilliant.

“I'm thrilled for Heidi. She’s done all of the work on him and she rode him under a penalty when he won at Hexham. He was probably the one we really trained for this race after he won under the penalty. He had that winter break and we really prepped him for this, but they still have to deliver and I thought he was really good.

“Heidi has done very well, and she was without her claim in that race. It’s a big day for her. She’s a very good amateur and rides hunter chase winners for us as well. She’s a very accomplished young lady and she’s got a big day in the sun.”

Reflecting on Panic Attack’s early fall in the big race he said: “She got bumped at the first, nearly brought down at the second and probably panicked a bit at the third, where she didn’t even get her landing gear out.

“She went straight to a collecting area afterwards so she’s only done six furlongs. She’s okay and Harry is okay. That’s the Grand National for you. It was an old fashioned National and there was a lot going on out there.”

Palin said: “I’m pretty speechless to be honest. It’s my first win at a big festival so I’m very happy and very fortunate. I appreciate all the help the team give me, and the opportunities too. With days like this it all pays off.”