Culloty rides the wave of success
For Hughes it was a first in this race as well. He had never previously tasted success in Ireland's premier National Hunt race, either as a trainer or a rider.
But Culloty is on an extraordinary high and the Killarney-man can do little wrong. Just a couple of weeks ago he guided Best Mate to a cantering victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
And a year ago he piloted Best Mate to his initial victory in that race and then followed by landing the English National at Aintree on Bindaree.
Indeed, he was only booked for Timbera ten minutes before declaration time on Friday morning, after jockeys' agent, Ciaran O'Toole, had contacted Hughes to tell him the maestro was available.
"This is absolutely brilliant," said Culloty.
"Timbera broke too well and ran too freely. But I was able to get him back, which was the original plan. He's a super jumper and could be an English National horse."
Culloty indicated he would be far from upset if he had to come to ride more regularly in his native country.
"I would love to ride here a lot more, if I was given the opportunity. I'm an English-based jockey and it is lovely to come here and win a big one.
"They (the likes of Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty) often come across and win our big races. It is nice to see it happening the other way round."
Beausheram and Torduff Boy were the principals for much of the journey in yesterday's race, but five out it was the latter who made the burst for home.
Torduff Boy turned in still holding the call, but a mistake at the penultimate obstacle took the stuffing out of him.
Knock Knock ran a remarkable race, considering he blundered badly at the 14th, edged on at this stage but was quickly attacked by Timbera and Winning Dream.
Tony McCoy, who made his way to the track following the funeral of his great friend, Northern Ireland trainer, Willie Rock, had given Winning Dream a copybook ride, but his partner had no more to offer on the run to the last.
"I had a lovely position on the inner and we were going well until the fourth-last, where he seemed to slip on landing, and that was no help," McCoy said.
Knock Knock still held the call at the final obstacle, but Culloty was now getting a generous response from Timbera, who is owned by Mallow lady, Josephine Breen, and was bred by her husband, Ted.
Gradually, they reeled in the leader and Culloty was seen at his strongest, forcing Timbera up in the shadow of the post.
"He's a lovely horse who jumped super for me all the way round. He was jumping for fun and ran on strongly to the line," said the Kerry-born jockey.
Hughes, who is also on a roll after victories at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, said: "This is our year it happened for Ted Walsh three years ago.
"I was fairly confident once Jim got Timbera back after the horse had run very free early on.
"The horse prefers a lead, but seemed to be enjoying himself and it was just as well he had something to aim at after the final fence," added Hughes, who has enjoyed a resurgence this season after problems in the previous couple of years with a persistent virus.
"He's a decent horse and was racing off a nice mark," said a jubilant Hughes.
"I was worried about the ground, but the drop of rain that fell took the sting out of it. He ran too free, but Jim managed to get him back."
Hughes fully concurred with Culloty regarding a possible tilt at the Aintree fences.
"He's a smashing jumper and could be a National-type," said Hughes. "The English National next year will be the plan."
Top weight, David's Lad, ran a blinder to fill fourth spot, under his huge 12-0 burden.
He was hunted round at the rear for much of the journey by Timmy Murphy, but just could not get in a real blow in the straight.
Barry Geraghty's mount, The Dell, was one of the unluckiest horses in the contest.
He jumped like a buck, for the most part, and was tracking the leaders, full of running, when he made a dreadful error five out.
Runner-up Knock Knock is "tailor-made for the Aintree Grand National" according to his trainer David Wachman, who praised claiming rider Grant for his horsemanship.
"It was a pity our horse hit the ditch past the stands on the last circuit, and Mark did well to stay with him and get back into the race," he said. "We will be planning now for Liverpool next year. Our horse stays and is still a novice."
But the day belonged to Culloty as he stuck another big race feather in his cap and underlined his reputation as a man for the big day.
