Banbridge successfully returned from an eight-month break to land the Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton on Saturday afternoon.
In a race that was deserving of Grade 1 status, racegoers were certainly treated to an exciting spectacle as last year's champion Pic D'Orhy and Banbridge did battle up the Kempton straight.
As expected, Pic D'Orhy took the strong field of five along at a fair tempo and Harry Cobden looked to have plenty of horse underneath him turning for home. However, the challengers soon began to queue up and it was Banbridge who emerged as the biggest threat to his crown as the pair headed towards the last in unison.
The better leap at the final fence came from the Joseph O'Brien-trained runner, who hadn't been seen since landing the Grade 1 Racehorse Lotto Manifesto Novices Chase at Aintree in April, and the 3/1 chance stuck on gamely after hitting the front to score by one- and three-quarter lengths under J J Slevin.
Winning rider J J Slevin told ITV Racing: "We felt he'd strengthened up a bit this year. I hope he's a better horse this year,"
"He was a little bit rusty on the way round but hopefully that will have blown away some of the cobwebs."
"It was a good race, coming here beforehand all four of his competitors had a decent shout in winning it but hopefully he'll progress from that."
Edwardstone raced somewhat enthusiastically on his first attempt over the two-and-a-half-mile journey over fences, with Alan King's charge ultimately well-held back in fourth.
Stable star Notlongtillmay was unfortunately fatally injured following a fall at the last.
An emotional Laura Morgan said: "It's absolutely horrendous, he didn't deserve that. He just took a nasty fall at the last and broke his shoulder.
"He's been our stable star and it's so upsetting. It will leave a massive hole in the yard every day, he was such a character as well – and little Ernie, the pony that has come with him, he will miss him."
Paddy Power were quick to slash Banbridge to 5/1 (from 10/1) for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
