7-1 Joint favourite Comply Or Die held off a strong challenge from King Johns Castle to take victory by four lengths in the 2008 Grand National at Aintree.

The much-fancied Cloudy Lane, who also went off at 7-1 after drifting out from as short as 5-1 overnight, finished sixth but was never really in contention.

Irish jockey Timmy Murphy rode the David Pipe-trained nine-year-old for his first Grand National win after 11 previous attempts.

Snowy Morning claimed third place, while Slim Pickings was fourth.

Comply Or Die's victory was a disaster for the bookmakers after being backed into a starting price of 7-1.

Murphy waited with his mount until after the last and got a great response from the nine-year-old when he asked him to put his seal on the race.

Comply Or Die saw out the trip well to see off King Johns Castle (20-1) by four lengths, while Snowy Morning and Slim Pickings took third and fourth respectively.

Murphy, winning the race at the 12th attempt, told BBC Sport: "I can't believe it yet, it's the best ride I've ever had over these fences.

"He got into a lovely rhythm and he jumped fantastic, he picked up again when Paul (Carberry, on King Johns Castle) came at me.

"It's not sunk in, I'm delighted for David Pipe and my boss David Johnson (owner), it's a race he's always wanted to win."

Rarely can somany horses have been in contention as the field approached the final few fences in the four-and-a-half-miler.

Having gone only a sensible pace, a number of the leading players, including Comply Or Die, Slim Pickings, Bewleys Berry and Chelsea Harbour, were all moving well with four to jump.

While King Johns Castle was just hacking in behind, it soon became apparent that Comply Or Die was the one going best of all as he jumped the penultimate obstacle alongside Snowy Morning.

Butler's Cabinand Tony McCoy fell at Becher's Brook.

Murphy was keen not to push the button too soon and sat still until going for home on the famous run to the Elbow.

At that point, Snowy Morning, who blundered at the last, looked to be staging a renewed effort as King Johns Castle also put his best foot forward.

However, Comply or Die was very game in front and picked up when required to see off the Arthur Moore-trained contender.

An emotional Pipe said: "I can't really describe it.

"Gordon Elliott trained last year's winner and is a good friend, he was one of the first to come and congratulate me.

"It's great for everyone, for the whole team. We couldn't do any of it without them.

"I've had a great teacher in my father (Martin), David Johnson has been brilliant and Timmy gave him a fantastic ride."

Pipe added: "He was going very well, but I like to keep my feet on the ground.

"There's no feeling like it."

Pipe's father Martin was full of praise for the achievement of his son.

"It took me a lifetime to win the race and David's done it well already," he said.

"Everything went to plan, Timmy gave him a great ride and he was jumping well. I know we are lucky, but he's done it very well today.

"Someone told me I must have trained two other National winners as I trained Gordon Elliott and David!"

Winning owner Johnson realised a major ambition and added: "I've probably run 20 in it before and it's a thrill.

"Timmy did nothing wrong and it was a typical Timmy ride really, he showed how good he really is."  

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