Chief Dan George lined up a likely tilt next month’s Coral Scottish National after his striking success in the John Smith’s Novices’ Chase at Kelso.

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.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ golden autumn gained further momentum when he sent out Platin Grounds, Ardaghey and Tramantano to land a 183-1 treble at Cheltenham.