It was business as usual for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh as Cheltenham opened its doors for the winter with the dominant trainer and jockey combining for yet another big-race success.

Lough Derg regained his position at the top of the Order Of Merit leaderboard from Kauto Star with an extraordinary comeback in the totesport.com National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell.

High-quality stayer Galient got his hurdling career off to a winning start with a game performance at Fontwell.