The 13-times champion Irish Flat jockey, who retired at the end of 2009, took the Paul Nicholls-trained grey into the lead about two furlongs out.

Brushing off the challenge of Waldvogel, ridden by 1997 Grand National-winning jockey Tony Dobbin, American Trilogy stormed clear to win by nine lengths.

Waldvogel kept on for second, a length and a half ahead of Cape Express, ridden by Marcus Armytage, who won the National in 1990.

Kinane said: "A fraction of it (ability) is still there, it was great to do it.

"Bob (Champion) rang me in December and he caught me at a good moment. I put the phone down and thought what have I got myself into? Just as I'd come to terms with retirement!

"This is a fantastic cause and it's a pleasure to be a part of it.

"I was fishing around for a ride and Paul Nicholls came up with this horse.

"He said the horse had lost a bit of confidence over fences and his rating suited the race.

"I said to Paul afterwards to take a picture so he could get a Flat one on the wall to go with all the jumps winners!

"It was great to ride for the champion trainer and the horse travelled beautifully.

"I was very confident turning for home that unless somebody was stalking me, I was in good shape."

Nicholls said: "It's lovely to give Mick a winner and it was a nice outing for the horse, too.

"I'm pleased for the owners as they've lost family to cancer, so they wanted to support this race.

"He travelled so well, I'm tempted to run him on the Flat.

"He did run on the Flat in France and I'm sure there'll be some races for him."