Sam Thomas hopes his wonderful weekend will prove to be a 'steeping stone' in his career.
Thomas successfully filled the riding boots of the injured Ruby Walsh to partner Kauto Star for owner Clive Smith and trainer Paul Nicholls to victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.
He went on to make the most of his chance by completing a treble, before taking the Becher Chase on Mr Pointment, also for Nicholls, over the Grand National fences at Aintree on Sunday.
'I haven't had a chance to look back at the (Haydock) race, but tonight I'll have a look at the replays and it will sink in - it all happened so quickly yesterday,' he said.
'It was a great day and hopefully it will be a stepping stone in my career as people who have not seen me performing before at the weekends will have spotted me now.
'During the week trainers and racing regulars have probably already noticed me, but hopefully a broader scale of people will have seen me now.
'I will take whatever comes along now and I have shown that I am capable of riding on big race days and hopefully a few more opportunities will come along now.
'Paul and Mr Smith gave me the opportunity and I am glad that it all paid off.'
Thomas, 23, was aware of the pressure in the few days before the race.
'There were a lot of things building up to it all week. There was a lot about it in the press and a lot of journalists ringing me up the whole time, so finally it was nice to get it out of the way and win the race,' he said.
'It probably helped as well that he got beat last time (at Aintree) though he did run a good race. Had he won the time before that would have put a lot more pressure on me. I went into it to try and ride it like a normal race and put all the hype to the back of my mind,' he told BBC Sport.
Kauto Star emerged from his heroics in top form, according to Nicholls, after holding his old adversary Exotic Dancer for a fourth time by half a length.
'He's fine and had a lead-out and a pick of grass this morning - he's in fine form,' said the Ditcheat handler.
'I did say to Sam don't worry if you do end up in front as he'll get the trip well. It was a great ride when you consider the pressure he was under. As far as I'm concerned he rides everything if he's available until Ruby comes back.'
'When Ruby's back he'll ride, but it's nice to have an able substitute to ride if anything happens. I'm sure after yesterday Ruby will be looking to get back as quickly as he can,' Nicholls told At The Races.
