SAN Benedeto provided Paul Nicholls with a ninth victory in the Grade 3 William Hill Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury.

First run in 2004, this two-and-a-half-mile feature has been farmed by the Ditcheat maestro – claiming eight wins in just 15 years.

He had a strong hand in the latest renewal, with 11/1 shot San Benedeto joined by two stable companions in 5/1 favourite Dolos and 14/1 chance Warriors Tale – and it was Nick Scholfield’s mount who got the job done in determined fashion.

Gala Ball – making his first competitive appearance in over 700 days for Philip Hobbs – looked set to make a winning return when travelling strongly in the lead halfway up the home straight.

But San Benedeto took over after the final fence and kicked clear for a two-and-a-quarter-length verdict.

Gala Ball performed admirably in second, with Valdez and Javert third and fourth respectively.