NOT for the first time in his career was Sam Waley-Cohen seen lifting a gold cup - only this time it was not the blue riband at Cheltenham but the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown after guiding Wiltshire-trained The Young Master to a slender success in the historic handicap.

As far as amateur riders go there are few in the game that can match the achievements of Waley-Cohen, and while this victory does not quite fall into the same category as those achieved aboard Long Run, it was a triumph met with as much delight.

In a race that was not short of drama with Bishops Road departing at first - as he did in the Topham at Aintree - and favourite Henri Parry Morgan crashing out midway through, Waley Cohen steered a trouble-free route close to the pace, set early on by Drop Out Joe.

With a host of runners still in with a feasible chance jumping the Pond fence for the final time, where The Young Master held a narrow advantage, it was not until late on the contest was put to bed.

Despite last year's winner Just A Par drawing level up the run-in the 8-1 shot, who is part-owned by the rider's father, Robert, found more when it mattered most to regain the lead and get back up inside the closing strides to oblige by a short head.

Betfred trimmed the winner into 20-1 joint-favourite for next year's Grand National from 33-1, while Harry Cobden, aboard the runner-up, was handed a four-day ban, which will run between May 7 and 10, for excessive use of the whip.

Winning trainer Neil Mulholland, who is based at Conkwell Grange stables near Bradford on Avon, said: "It's a great success for everyone at the yard, a great day.

"He's a great horse for this race, he's been a good servant for the yard. We've had a great season and this is the icing on the cake.

"He's tough and genuine but he'd been hard on the bridle throughout so he's done well to get up the hill.

"The long-term plan with him is the Grand National, but I felt it was a year too soon this time.

"He's bred for seven furlongs and when I bought him as a two-year-old it was to run on the Flat, as I didn't have many.

"He just kept getting stronger and stronger and he's improving with age.

"Next year all roads lead to Aintree, as they will with The Druids Nephew and Carole's Destrier.

"He wouldn't be the first horse to win a National who started out on the Flat (in reference to Red Rum)."

The comments of Mulholland were shared by Waley-Cohen, who praised his courage and bravery.

He said: "He's a wonderful horse and it's an honour and a privilege to be riding him.

"He's a thrill, he's an amateur's ride - you just keep kicking and you've got to be brave and ride him with courage.

"I didn't know I'd got there going up the hill, I was throwing everything at him, but he responded."

As for Waley-Cohen senior, he stressed next year's Grand National will be the main aim should all go well in the interim.

He said: "We brought him with a view to the 2017 Grand National, but we have probably messed that up.

"Neil didn't want to run him this year as he is only a seven-year-old and he is a nice staying chaser.

"I would love to get him in good shape for the National, but there are lot of things to do to get there."