Jamie Snowden's Colonel Harry produced one of the season's most emotional victories so far when storming to success in the William Hill Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday, 311 days after a fall at Cheltenham left his career and life hanging in the balance.

The eight-year-old hadn't been seen since New Year's Day when he suffered the fall that resulted in a serious leg infection requiring a fortnight's hospitalization. Snowden revealed afterwards that the gelding's recovery was touch and go, with his survival in doubt at one stage.

Making his debut over the National fences, Colonel Harry was given a confident ride by Gavin Sheehan, who produced him late and wide to power clear for a two-length success at 6-1. Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's Gaboriot, third in this contest twelve months ago, filled the runner-up spot, with Excello a head back in third. The long-time leader Mahons Glory, who set the pace for much of the contest, was caught in the closing stages and finished a further three-and-a-quarter lengths back in fourth.

The Lambourn trainer was understandably emotional post-race, crediting his team's efforts in nursing the gelding back to peak fitness. Snowden praised the clean round of jumping and noted that Sheehan had pulled him wide in the straight to deliver the decisive challenge. The trainer admitted pre-race concerns about whether the ground would be soft enough, given Colonel Harry's proven form in testing conditions over both hurdles and fences.

The victory marks a significant milestone for Jamie Snowden, who was claiming his first Grand Sefton success with a horse with graded form who showed his class when it mattered most.