TRAINER Venetia Williams hit the racing headlines over the Christmas holiday as her Emperor's Choice outstayed his rivals to deny Benvolio and Glenquest in a thrilling finish to the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.

The Kings Caple-trained seven-year-old appeared to have thrown his chance away when making a bad mistake in the home straight at the fifth-last fence, handing the initiative to the Irish challenger Glenquest.

Glenquest seemed to have sealed victory with a safe jump over the last fence it was evident on the run-in he was running on empty and his pursuers sensed their chance and renewed their challenge.

Benvolio, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, seemed to have taken the initiative close home, but jockey Aidan Coleman refused to be denied on Emperor's Choice and the 9-1 chance prevailed by a short head from Benvolio with a further two-and-a-half lengths back to Glenquest.

Bromash trainer Michael Scudamore’s previous winner Monbeg Dude threatened to get involved early in the home straight and kept on well for fourth without threatening the principals.

Coleman said after the race: "I've ridden some big winners in my career but this tops it, I don't know why.

"I've never had a feeling like that when the photo was called, it's such a prestigious race and to win it for Venetia and the team is great. These are great owners of ours. Venetia is a world class trainer and she deserves better horses."

Williams, who was winning the race for the second time after the triumph of Jocks Cross in 2000, said: "I thought the fact he was in front meant the ground wasn't testing enough or they weren't going quick enough.

"I thought there would be too many in with a chance turning for home and they'd have too much speed for him, which they did, but when stamina really came into play he came back at them.

"It was really special for me as we had a box today with all my owners and friends and we were screaming, they must have heard us on the other side of the River Severn.”