Paul Nicholls’ Pic D'Orhy made the most of a golden opportunity in the Grade 2 Nirvana Spa 1965 Chase at Ascot after the odds-on favourite Shishkin refused to race.
Racegoers at Ascot were excited to see the reappearance of Nicky Henderson's Shishkin, but they were soon left stunned as the multiple Grade 1-winner planted himself at the start.
The Nicky Henderson-trained runner was fitted with first-time cheekpieces on his return to action, with the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day the ultimate aim.
However, he whipped round as the tapes went up and rider Nico De Boinville soon found himself sat motionless at the start.
That dramatic beginning surely left the door open for Paul Nicholls' Pic D'Orhy and the Johnny de la Hey-owned progressive chaser took full advantage.
The eight-year-old son of Turgeon jumped well throughout and although Straw Fan Jack did lay down a strong challenge turning for home, the Nicholls runner soon showed his class and quickened clear for a commanding sixteen-length under Harry Cobden.
Trainer Paul Nicholls and Cobden were completing a quickfire double on the card, with the promising novice hurdler Farnoge landing the second contest.
Paddy Power and Betfair refunded punters with a free bet on singles only, while Sky Bet voided Shishkin as a selection altogether – including multiples.
Speaking to ITV Racing, Harry Cobden said: "It's always easier when the favourite doesn't jump off isn't it? It was unfortunate for connections that he [Shishkin] didn't jump off but our lad, I'm not sure he was at his best today.
"He possibly didn't jump that well and he didn't really travel early; I can't specifically give you a reason, he felt good beforehand. When I turned in, I thought 'we've got Straw Fan Jack upsides us and this might get ugly' so I tried to get the race put to bed before the second last just so I wasn't relying on two big jumps.
"Maybe the ground is possibly a little bit quick for him, but he's always wanted that ground, in my opinion, in the past so I can't see how you can blame that but at the end of the day he's got the job done."
On the drama of Shishkin refusing at the start, Henderson said: "What can I say?"
"The pity is there's a three-mile hurdle at Newbury on Friday and I'd run him in that but that closed this morning.
"Did I know that was going to happen? I don't know why he's done that today. It's one of those starts where you're going away from home where the odd horse will do it.
"My biggest concern would probably be the King George start is exactly the same the first thing you do is go straight away. How can I guarantee he won't do the same thing. I guarantee if I took him down to the two-mile start he'd fly up and be in the lead."
