Knowhere beats Exotic in Old Roan

Knowhere bounced back to form in no uncertain terms with an impressive display in the intercasino.co.uk Old Roan Chase at Aintree.

In-form trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has always held him in high regard but after winning the Letheby And Christopher Chase at Cheltenham in January - after which the 10-year-old finished sixth in the Gold Cup - he failed to sparkle on his final two starts of last campaign.

Knowhere was sent off an 8-1 chance on his reappearance in this Grade Two event and was always travelling nicely for Paddy Brennan.

The Raymond Mould-owned gelding made significant ground turning for home and, after taking over at the final fence, stayed on strongly for pressure to hold off Exotic Dance by a length.

Brennan said: 'I knew if it was a war, I'd win - I was half a length down at the last but I didn't have to hit him. He is a hell of a horse and has been brilliant servant to the yard.

'Nigel is always an underdog when it come to training but to me, he's the best I've ever ridden for. The horse never gives in. It's brilliant for the yard and we'll try and win the Hennessy now.'

Jonjo O'Neill was thrilled with Exotic Dancer, who will now be geared towards the Betfair Chase at Haydock - a race in which he finished second last year.

'I'm delighted with that and he jumped and travelled well all through the race,' said O'Neill.

'The Betfair Chase is now his main objective - although he'll also have an entry in the Hennessy. He could also go for the Lexus (at Leopardstown) over Christmas.'

Champion Chase runner-up Voy Por Ustedes finished a fine fourth under top weight. He is now likely to step up to three miles for the first time in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, for which he was cut to 4-1 from 9-2 by Paddy Power.

'I'm pleased it's out of the way,' said trainer Alan King.

'He just took a little blow going in to the ditch. We are very happy with that - especially at the weights and on this ground. He'll almost be definitely be targeted at the King George, but he'll probably go straight there because I'm not sure there's much for him.'