Gwanako edges thriller

Gwanako got the better of My Petra in a thrilling duel to win the Gooding Group Graduation Chase at Ascot.

Paul Nicholls’ five-year-old won the Topham at Aintree last season but spectacularly got rid of Sam Thomas at The Chair in the Grand Sefton last month.

He showed no ill-effects from that with a sure-footed display and always travelled smoothly for Ruby Walsh.

Barry Geraghty loomed up on the turn on Nicky Henderson’s mare, but Gwanako got away from the last quicker and held off her challenge to win by a neck.

“That will do Ruby the power of good as it’s his first winner back over here,” said Nicholls.

“This is a fair little horse – handicaps are out for him, but I think there is a conditions race at Leicester on January 6 for him.”