When Leighton Aspell welcomes in the New Year in just under four weeks’ time, he can be forgiven for thinking 2014 has been nothing short of a blinder.

The Pulborough-based jockey saw his dreams become reality when he won the Grand National onboard Pineau De Re in April – a victory that topped off his most successful campaign ever with 61 winning rides.

And if that wasn’t enough, Aspell found further success last weekend when he partnered the tough Many Clouds to Hennessy Gold Cup success at Newbury. Who would have thought he wanted to pack it all in seven years ago?

In 2007 Aspell announced his retirement and went to work at John Dunlop’s yard in Arundel. However, in 2009 he returned to racing.

“The best decision I ever made was to come back to racing, ” Aspell told The Argus shortly after his Hennessy win on Saturday.

“This year has been the best ever. It proves I was right to come back – but also proves I was wrong to stop in the first place. I’m very pleased with how things are going and am just really grateful for the opportunities I’m getting. I’m taking them with both hands.”

Aspell, 38, rolled back the years for Many Cloud’s trainer Oliver Sherwood at the Hennessy. The Lambourn handler took the race with Arctic Call 24 years ago but has arguably fallen down the pecking order somewhat since then.

But the Newbury crowd were warm in their reception for Sherwood on Saturday – proof that he still has plenty of admirers in the game. It was thanks to a fine ride from Aspell that the joyous scenes in the winner’s enclosure were made possible.

Settling in the middle of the 19-runner field, Many Clouds (8/1) made headway at the second last before jumping the final fence ahead of top weight Houblon Des Obeaux (50/1) and bottom weight Merry King (14/1), partnered by Tony McCoy.

Aspell said: “I knew McCoy had the lightest weight and that can be telling at latter stages of races like that. When you see him looming you start to think but to be honest anybody is a danger in the Hennessy.

“But he (Many Clouds) ground it out well, he is tough. He’s got a very progressive profile. I knew we had a good chance before the race.

“He came out of it really well and had a nice stretch in the paddock the following morning, so he’s well.

“I think the trainer is planning to give him a break in December and train him for the Argento Chase at Cheltenham in mid-January.”

Grand National and Hennessy Gold Cup success might not be the end of Aspell’s big-race accomplishments for the foreseeable future. Many Clouds was cut to 20/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, a price that could look good value come the start of the race next year.

Aspell added: “We’ll see how the Gold Cup pictures after the Argento. Before Saturday we didn’t have the Gold Cup on the radar but you never know now.

“This year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup was wide open and if it’s similar again next year then he has every chance.”

TOMORROW’S TIP (SATURDAY) Sandown 3pm – SOMERSBY (9/1 each way)