Elixir De Nutz game as a pebble in gritty Tolworth victory
Colin Tizzard's gutsy gelding was a determined winner of the Grade 1 contest at Sandown
ELIXIR DE NUTZ (3-1) left his rivals dry and roasted in a thrilling renewal of the Tolworth Hurdle.
Colin Tizzard's progressive gelding saw of a stern challenge from Grand Sancy to notch his first win at the highest level.
In a race run at a decent pace, hot favourite Rathhill (6-5f) floundered early and it was the Paul Nicholls duo of Southfield Stone (6-1) and Grand Sancy (4-1) who were left to throw down the most potent challenges up the straight.
Approaching the last, Southfield Stone cried enough and Elixir Du Nutz and Grand Sancy went clear, the pair battling tooth and nail for Tolworth glory.
In the end, the son of Al Namix was just the more gutsy of the two and grittily saw off his rival in a rousing finish to the big race of the day.
A delighted Colin Tizzard said: "Going from the front like that you've got to be tough - he's a tough old boy and had a hard race today.
Latest in horse racing
"Terry Warner (owner) said when he sent him to me he's the best horse he's had in a long time. I'm not sure how he knew that but he was right.
"He's a very nice horse and I wouldn't think there's any chance of him running between now and Cheltenham.
"He's had four runs already so would be nice to save him for the three festivals later on.
"We don't really know what his optimum conditions are. He hasn't tried heavy ground but I think spring ground in Cheltenham will be perfect.
"He's not slow and I think we'll stick to two miles. We may put him in the two-and-a-half miler but you need a lot of stamina for the two mile trip and he's got that."
There was an emotional end to the Unibet Veterans' Chase as 12-year-old Houblon Des Obeaux (7-1) wound back the years to land an impressive victory.
Taking up the running four from home, Charlie Deutsch didn't have to do much in the saddle to guide his old warrior to victory.
Buywise was the only one to come out of the pack that looked capable of throwing down a challenge, but took a crashing fall at the last.
Winning trainer Venetia Williams said: "It's absolutely thrilling. It was a smashing ride from Charlie. He's a bold man and took the bull by the horns.
"With these old horses a few pounds here and there isn't that relevant. It's about how the race pans out for them and what frame of mind they're in.
"I wouldn't say you train them any differently but you have to be a bit more forgiving in their races."
Earlier on the card, star mare Laurina merely had to saunter round to collect the Listed mares' prize.
She was cut to 7-2 by Sky Bet for the Champion Hurdle in March.