LIKE the 2013/14 season, the week just finished has proved more profitable for Ditcheat than Seven Barrows, and Paul Nicholls added the Betfair Chase to his haul via Silviniaco Conti. The 2012 winner had proved a bitter disappointment on his return at Wetherby, but was back to near his best in first-time cheekpieces with a fine win over Charlie Hall winner Menorah, with Dynaste not disgraced in third.

There were several disappointments, with Cue Card a rather tame fourth, and now with something to prove, but he fared better than Taquin Du Seuil, who cut out very quickly, as if something was amiss.