Arzal produced a superb front-running performance to make all in the Merseyrail Manifesto Novices' Chase at Aintree.
Harry Whittington's decision to skip Cheltenham proved inspired as Arzal (4-1) put in an impeccable round of jumping to take Grade One honours.
Gavin Sheehan was always happy on the six-year-old, who shrugged off L'Ami Serge, his only serious challenger, to cross the line eight lengths clear.
Arkle Trophy runner-up Sizing John, sent off the 11-4 favourite, was 16 lengths back in third.
Whittington said: "He did have a temperature about two weeks before Cheltenham so that helped us make our mind up. He was fine about a week before Cheltenham - it just gave us an excuse to miss Cheltenham.
"I've been pretty worried, we've had a fantastic season and it is great credit to the team and I'm lucky to have good people around me and good horsemen riding out. I was just a little bit worried about our last three or four weeks.
"I was going into it with no expectations, but once he jumped the first I was pretty happy"
"I was going into it with no expectations, but once he jumped the first I was pretty happy.
"It's amazing for the whole team. I can't tell you how much of a team effort it has been at home. It has been way beyond my expectations and this has been the icing on the cake."
Of immediate plans for the winner, Whittington added: "That will be it (for the season), for sure. I would think he might end up back here for the Old Roan as his next target. He loves a flat, left-handed, galloping track.
"That is where he is at his best and he gets into a really good rhythm. The likes of Aintree and Doncaster suit him well, so they are the tracks we will stick to."
Anthony Bromley, racing manager for L'Ami Serge's owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, said "He went very well. The winner was obviously the only horse not to run at Cheltenham, that's always a factor coming here, especially as there is only a three-week gap this year.
"That will be him done for the season, as he needs to go left-handed, there is no point thinking about Punchestown.
"We will probably stick to two and a half miles next season. He definitely won't be going back in trip, anyway.
"He has been placed at two festivals now and we are very proud him."
