Returning to a hero’s welcome, Murphy was quick to praise second-season trainer David Pipe and also paid tribute to owner David Johnson, for whom he has the greatest respect.

He said: “It’s not sunk in, I’m delighted for David Pipe and my boss David Johnson (owner), it’s a race he’s always wanted to win.

“This would be the highlight of anyone’s career. You only have to think of the people who have not even got round, never mind those who have won.

“I hung on for as long as possible as I didn’t want to get there too soon. He came out of my hands at the last and when I got to the Elbow I thought I would let him go.

“I could feel Paul Carberry behind me – and he isn’t one you like to have there but when I got to the Elbow my fellow picked up again and went away.”

An elated Pipe added: “He was well-in at the weights, but there were plenty of others who were well-in and you need things to go right. He was bred to jump and stay and was a good novice.

“Gordon Elliott trained last year’s winner and is a good friend, he was one of the first to come and congratulate me.

“It’s great for everyone, for the whole team. We couldn’t do any of it without them.

“I’ve had a great teacher in my father. David Johnson has been brilliant and Timmy gave him a fantastic ride.”

Johnson, one of Murphy’s staunchest supporters, was understandably over the moon.

“I’ve probably run 20 in it before and it’s a thrill,” he added.

“Timmy did nothing wrong and it was a typical Timmy ride really, he showed how good he really is.”

Murphy produced an ice-cool ride, waiting until well after the last before asking Comply Or Die to put his seal on the race as the Arthur Moore-trained King Johns Castle ran a blinder to take second.

“For a few strides after the last I thought we might do it, but the winner kept battling and had more reserves than us,” reflected Moore.

“He always had the leaders in his sights and came through with the perfect challenge.”

Snowy Morning was prominent for much of the race and took an honourable third, while Slim Pickings, third in 2007, faded late to take fourth.

Willie Mullins, trainer of the former, said: “On the home turn I was hoping, but I could tell the winner was going better.

“It’s a long straight and hope was all I had. Now I’m hoping we can come back next year.

“He’s a hardy horse and he might go to Punchestown now.”

The nation-stopping National once again stole the show but Murphy had already enjoyed a red-letter day before the tapes went up for the big one.

For the John Queally-trained Al Eile gave him an armchair ride on his way to securing a remarkable third Aintree Hurdle.

Queally said: “He has been very good to us over the years and is very special.

“A year is a long time, but I do hope to be back here in 12 months.”

Tidal Bay broke the curse of Cheltenham winners at the meeting when proving too good for Takeroc in the Maghull Novices’ Chase and could now be aimed at the Ryanair Chase next term.

Attention switched back to the Flat on Sunday as Dermot Weld landed a superb 118-1 treble at Leopardstown.

The Curragh trainer secured the Foxrock Race and the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas Trials with Unwritten Rule (9-2), Carribean Sunset (12-1) and Famous Name (4-6 favourite) respectively.

Of the latter, who won by an easy four lengths, Weld said: “The last two winners I’ve had in this were Refuse To Bend and Grey Swallow and I rate this horse very highly.”