Paul Nicholls was left kicking himself after getting the tactics wrong with Kauto Star as his ace was nailed by Our Vic in a thrilling totesport Bowl at Aintree.

Binocular lost his unbeaten record at the Cheltenham Festival, but lessons were learned and he regained winning ways in impressive fashion in the John Smith’s 250th Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices Hurdle at Aintree.