Sam Thomas clinches the biggest win of his training career after Iwilldoit won the Welsh National

Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Thomas clinched the biggest win of his training career when Iwilldoit landed the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow.

In a race run behind closed doors because of Covid-19, the well-backed 13-2 shot beat Highland Hunter by nine lengths to also give jockey Stan Sheppard his most prestigious success.

It was the third straight win for a Welsh-trained horse in the country’s biggest steeplechase after Christian Williams-trained Potters Corner in 2019 and Evan Williams-trained Secret Reprieve last season.

Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Thomas (left) clinched the biggest win of his training career

The well-backed 13-2 shot Iwilldoit beat Highland Hunter by nine lengths to win the race

Secret Reprieve was sent off 6-1 favourite on Monday but, in a gruelling contest, he finished sixth, the last of the 20 starters to finish.

Thomas, who won the Gold Cup on Denman in 2008, was in tears after Iwilldoit crossed the line.

The trainer, who is based near Cardiff, said: ‘I can’t believe how emotional I am. I didn’t dare think for a minute we were going to win. 

The victory also gave jockey Stan Sheppard (pictured) his most prestigious success to date

‘I’m a bit overwhelmed by the whole experience. It is tremendous to keep it in Wales. I am a proud Welshman.’

Denman’s trainer Paul Nicholls provided runner-up Highland Hunter and third-placed Truckers Lodge.

Iwilldoit, who won the Welsh National Trial Chase at Chepstow earlier this month, was squeezed out and put on the back foot, but worked his way from the back of the field on the final circuit to make the most of a low weight.