'I want to be winning the big races - that's what it's all about' - Paul Nicholls relishing Grade 1 clash with old foe

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As you were. A good old-fashioned ding-dong between a pair of golden oldies who are not consigned to folklore just yet. Far from it, in fact. Try telling Paul Nicholls that his best days are behind him. I'd rather tell Piers Morgan that Meghan Markle should be the next Queen. And, as for Nicky Henderson, he's putting Peter Pan to shame these days.

Oh, yes, there is something strangely nourishing about the Betfair Ascot Chase, the final Grade 1 before the big banquet in the Cotswolds. It's a 14-time champion trainer versus a six-time champion trainer. It's a 63-year-old v a 75-year-old (shh, don't say that too loud). It's Nicholls v Hendo. It's Jonbon v Pic D'Orhy. It's just like old times.

We'll get to Jonbon in a moment, but first let's focus on the man who has won this Saturday's showpiece more than any other. Six times in all, starting with Rockforce in 2000, then the legendary Kauto Star, who used to run every other weekend back in his heyday. Bliss. He won it in 2008 before Silviniaco Conti in 2016, Cyrname in 2019, while Pic D'Orhy has won it for the last two years on the trot.