Silviniaco Conti cut for National after Ascot success

Silviniaco Conti bounced back to something like his best to win the Betfair Ascot Chase for Paul Nicholls.

Dogged by problems and below his best in the first half of the season, he was fitted with blinkers for the first time as he dropped back in trip to two miles and five furlongs.

From a long way out only Royal Regatta looked like putting up some sort of a fight, but Silviniaco Conti, who was sent off the 2-1 favourite, outclassed his rivals.