Irish conditional jockey enjoyed the perfect Aintree debut when guiding Will The Wise (9-1) to success over the Grand National fences in the Randox Topham Handicap Chase.

The 19-year-old Stone-Walsh guided the Gavin Cromwell-trained gelding to a length and a quarter length victory over Ile Atlantique and tomorrow will partner Final Orders in the Randox Grand National.

Conor Stone-Walsh said: “He jumped from fence to fence, filled himself after the Canal Turn - he wasn’t for stopping up the straight. It was some feeling. Fair play to Rachel who looks after him and the whole team at home.

“I rode on the Flat for Joseph O’Brien [he rode 28 winners on the Flat], but I only ever wanted to be a jump jockey and have worked for Gavin since I started over jumps. Gavin’s been very good to me, and his owners have been very good as well, so big thanks to them.

“I remember, when we were kids, making Grand National jumps for our ponies, and it’s massive to get a win over these fences. I grew up hunting with the Killinick Harriers, Pony Clubbing and point-to-pointing, and I’ve always wanted to ride at these big meetings. I ride Final Orders in the Grand National tomorrow - the same bit of luck would be ideal!”

Winning trainer Gavin Cromwell said: “He’s a very simple, straightforward horse to train - he’s a pleasure to have. I wouldn’t rule out him running in the Grand National in the future. He’s won over three miles over hurdles and that sort of horse can generally stay further. He’s a young horse as well.

“I enjoyed that. I thought he’d be really suited to the race, the way he jumps. I thought he’d ride him a bit handier on the day but I thought he’d run a big race.”

Bryan Drew, owner of third-placed Madara, said: “I think he missed out one fence but otherwise he jumped beautifully. He travelled beautifully but there wasn’t as much left in the tank as there was at Cheltenham. He was trained to the max for Cheltenham and it’s very difficult to get him back to the same point for Aintree, and I think it’s a case in point with him. He wasn’t quite as good today but he’s run a great race.”