Gauvain causes shock

Gauvain (right): Impressed on his return

Gauvain returned from over a year on the sidelines to win the Sinbad Testimonial 2010/2011 Chase under Daryl Jacob.

The gelding was having his first start for Nick Williams and his first for 576 days but travelled and jumped well throughout to confine Forpadydeplasterer to his seventh consecutive second place finish.

Tataniano had been well backed and jumped exuberantly from the front but was in trouble at the second last and could only finish third.

"That was unbelievable. Nick, his wife Jane, and all the staff have done a great job with this horse," said Jacob.

"He's been off the track a long time, but he jumped and travelled great and from three out he always looked the winner.

"There was a good strong gallop set by Tataniano. I got him settled and he jumped well."

Williams added: "I'm thrilled, but very surprised. I've had him for about four months. I suppose he'll have one or two more runs before the Champion Chase."

Forpadydeplasterer's trainer Tom Cooper said: "The ground is very dead and I think he may well step up in distance a bit now.

"If the ground is decent in the King George he'll run there and he'll also have an entry in the Lexus."

Paul Nicholls said of third home Tataniano: "He'd had a run last year before he won here, and the only target I've got is the spring and how to get him there (Queen Mother Champion Chase) in good order.

"Spring ground will be better for him, but don't take anything away from Nick Williams, that was a great training performance.

"I think the Desert Orchid at Kempton over Christmas might suit him."