Paul Nicholls regained his stranglehold on the Grade 2 Powers Irish Whiskey Chase at Down Royal today, as his Ptit Zig made it seven wins in eight years, for the nine times British Champion Jumps Trainer.

Ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies the 2014 Champion Hurdle sixth was briefly outpaced after the fourth last fence but in the end quickened well from two out for a nine and a half lengths win over Clarcam

Nicholls first won the race with Nolan in 2008, and followed up with wins from Herecomesthetruth, The Nightingale, Kauto Stone, Cristal Bonus and Rolling Aces before Don Cossack briefly, ended his strangehold on the Grade 2 event in 2014.

The trainer was absent but Sam Twiston-Davies later said "it's great to see him go round after what happened at Ascot. It was a proper jumping test and he jumped well.

"To be honest it wasn't my finest ride but I kicked him in the belly and he took off and won as he pleased.

"You would have to look at races like the King George as he could pop away there at Kempton. Obviously he would have to step up again.

"It is consistent ground out there and he galloped through it."

Ptit Zig was later introduced into markets for the 2016 Ryanair Chase with Paddy Power going 12/1, Boylesports at 14/1 and Ladbrokes 16/1.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham