Masterful placing sees Nicholls dominate with four-timer

It may have been Kempton's first jumps meeting of the season but some things never change.

Sending out a four-timer is impressive under any circumstances, but saddling a one-two in a race you did not intend having a runner – in the process picking up over £23,000 – gives some insight as to how Paul Nicholls has won the trainers' crown on ten occasions.

Nicholls added Old Guard and San Benedeto to the feature 2m Listed Hurdle only after the contest was reopened due to a lack of entries. And what an inspired decision it turned out to be after Old Guard, still only six but seemingly around forever, led home San Benedeto by four and a half lengths under Harry Cobden.