Jepeck defied the attentions of a loose horse late on to get back up and win in a three-way photo on the line in the Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase at Sandown.
Anthony Honeyball's 11-year-old qualified for the race in March last year and hasn't been seen over fences since as his trainer kept his powder dry in novice hurdles.
He did well in that sphere, winning two out of three, but relished the return to fences on Saturday as he jumped well around the good fencing test at Sandown.
Three out he looked like he might win as he liked, but a loose horse crossed his path ahead of the last and that allowed both Regal Flow and Theatre Guide to get into contention.
Jepeck did tremendously well to get back up on the far side in the photo, with Regal Flow edging out Theatre Guide for second.
On Tour looked like he might play a part in the finish as well at one stage, but he had to settle for fourth.
What. A. Horse. Race. 😍
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) January 4, 2020
JEPECK wins the Veterans' Chase Final after a thrilling conclusion, the loose horse almost causing carnage at Sandown...pic.twitter.com/1IYLiYdfTf
Dorset trainer Honeyball said: "With the 129 (rating), we were not sure if we had much in hand.
"But the facts were that the only veterans' chase we'd run in before today, the winner went on to win the Scottish National, so we thought we would go hurdling (first).
"This season we threw a few ideas about, so we thought 'why not go in a novice hurdle?' We can go left-handed over hurdles, because his jumping (to the right) is not such a big deal - so we had a bit of fun hurdling.
"I thought there was a good chance he would run to this mark, or beyond it.
"We already had a good season, so to pocket that is great. I was not quite sure how bad it was if we were going to get taken out - but thankfully he came back in, and had enough in reserve."
While not committing to any immediate plans, Honeyball intends to prepare Jepeck for the defence of his crown in 12 months' time.
He added: "He will probably look for a veterans' qualifier before the end of the season.
"I don't want to qualify him next season - I want him qualified before then. We will then come back here, all guns blazing."
Great scenes - emotional owner John Pike speaks to @nickluck after a fine victory for Jepeck in the Veterans' Final.
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 4, 2020
This horse was bought by the late Richard Woollacott in a poignant success.
A plan hatched nearly 18 months ago comes good for @AJHoneyball at @Sandownpark 👏 pic.twitter.com/gmW0osg6od
