Lord Atterbury was third, with last year's hero Monty's Pass in fourth.

Third last year, Amberleigh House (16-1) was given a perfect ride by Graham Lee as he come home in one of the most exciting finishes imaginable.

Hedgehunter led the field almost from the start but crashed out at the last fence as Clan Royal jumped it in front with Lord Atterbury.

Clan Royal was getting very tired, though, and was virtually legless approaching the elbow.

He tried valiantly for Liam Cooper, but Amberleigh House would not be denied.

A thrilled Lee told BBC Sport: "When he stops going around here I'm not going to take any more rides! I can't believe it has happened, I'm overjoyed."

A tearful McCain said: "Graham said he was going to hold him up more this year and he was quite right.

"I never thought I was going to win another National. He was foot-perfect. He's a professional. He's the best thing that has happened to me for a long, long time.

"The credit for it goes to my son (Donald) - he lives for the horse and rides him in all his work."

Clan Royal's owner JP McManus, asked if he thought he was going to win at one stage, said: "I was hoping for a minute, but it was a long way from home.

"He ran his heart out - he's very game. He beat the horses around him and suddenly one comes from the pack, but that's what it's all about.

"Grand Nationals change from the last fence to the line and this is another one. It's a long way from the elbow to the finish."

Trainer Jonjo O'Neill added: "He ran a blinder."

Supporters of Jurancon II, who went off 10-1 co-favourite of four along with Bindaree, Joss Naylor and Clan Royal, knew their fate as early as the fourth, where Tony McCoy's mount came to grief.

Bindaree was brough down at the first Becher's, while Joss Naylor was pulled up before the 19th.

Owner David Johnson, who has not enjoyed the best of fortunes in previous Nationals, said of Lord Atterbury: "It was fantastic to get a finisher. He has left his Cheltenham form behind and Mark (Bradburne) gave him a fantastic ride.

"He has just been beaten by two better horses on the day. He's still a young horse and there's a lot to look forward to."

Jimmy Mangan, trainer of Monty's Pass, said: "He ran a blinder with a big weight. It was unbelievable. He jumped marvellous.

"I couldn't be more happy. The rain just came at the wrong time for him.

"I'll be back next year for sure and he'll be trained especially for the race - he loves it around here."

David Casey, rider of Hedgehunter, who had been jumping brilliantly until the very last fence of 30, said: "He almost travelled too well and did too much in front.

"It's unfortunate. I'm disappointed, but more so for the horse - he didn't deserve it."

The winning distances were three lengths, two lengths and 29 lengths, and there were 11 finishers in a field of 39.