PAUL Nicholls is still going along very well and won the Grade 1 StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle with 6/4 favourite Irving, who made up for his last-flight fall in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.

There were no late mishaps this time, Nick Scholfield driving him out to beat Aurore D’estruval by just under two lengths. Willie Mullins’ Arctic Fire made no further progress from two out and was four lengths away.

The form looks a little way short of what might be required in the Champion Hurdle but Irving started joint-favourite before disappointing in the Supreme Novices’ and is clearly very useful.

Quotes of 25/1 were handed around for the big one and Scholfield believes he would have a chance.

“He jumped brilliantly and as soon as I pressed the button he quickened up well and showed his class,” he said.