Twist Magic won the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown after making every yard of the running in the two-mile chase.
Fifth successive win in the race for Nicholls
Twist Magic won the Keith Prowse Hospitality Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown after making every yard of the running in the two-mile chase.
Ruby Walsh ensured that the 9-4 second favourite was smartly away and he galloped his rivals into the ground to give champion trainer Paul Nicholls a fifth consecutive win in the Grade One race.
It was a textbook ride from Walsh, who barely moved a muscle on his mount. When the jockey glanced calmly behind him turning for home, the game already looked up for his toiling rivals.
Twist Magic won the race in 2007 but only became the Nicholls' first string after reigning champion Master Minded was ruled out through injury.
Forpadydeplasterer was second but never looked like laying down a challenge to the winner who cruised home by all of 15 lengths.
Favourite Big Zeb was never in contention, while Well Chief was third, just as he was in this race five years ago.
Character
Nicholls said: "He's a character, he needs a lot of work and today he was probably as well as he has ever looked.
"Tactically that was brilliant. Ruby didn't get the credit he deserved for Denman last week and we spent more time than ever this week talking about tactics and that was spot on.
"Two years ago Kauto Star won the Betfair, Denman won the Hennessy and Twist Magic won this.
"That was a career-best today from him. We'll have a think now where we go. He's in at Leopardstown over Christmas, but I almost wouldn't mind going to the Champion Chase with him a fresh horse. We'll have to see."
