Racing:Kauto Star (6-1) rolled back the years to win the Betfair Chase at Haydock. Paul Nicholls' remarkable stable star was winning the race for the fourth time and was cheered around the parade ring beforehand.
He was always prominent under Ruby Walsh and produced a superb round of fencing, putting Long Run's own jumping under pressure. The reigning Gold Cup champion cracked with mistakes at two fences down the back straight for the final time and Kauto Star set sail for home.
Long Run battled all the way to the line but could never get to the winner who scored by eight lengths and returned to an incredible reception.
Nicholls, who was enjoying a big-race double after the success of Master Minded, also owned by Clive Smith, at Ascot, said: "I'm speechless. That's the best day I've ever had. It's just amazing.
"We'd left no stone unturned, I'd got him as fit as he ever had been. We'd always thought about trying to make the running today, but hadn't told anyone for obvious reasons, and it all went to plan.
"Last year at home he always made a noise on the gallops and he wasn't finishing his races, but for some reason this year he's not making any noise at all.
"He's great for racing, and I hope those that said he should have been retired will apologise."
Walsh added: "He's an amazing horse. Paul had him spot on. I was hoping there would be another big day in him so I'm glad now I'm here and not at Ascot (riding Master Minded).
"I thought I'd take the bull by the horns and see how we get on. It's just a pleasure."
Master Minded had earlier recorded a back-to-back wins in the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot. Daryl Jacob was in the saddle for the first time aboard the 2-1 joint-favourite and got a fine round of jumping out of him until he got too close to the sixth last.
At that stage Somersby went to the front and was travelling strongly but Paul Nicholls' charge was quickly in pursuit. He took over at the head of affairs after the second last and ran on strongly to win well.
A delighted Nicholls told Channel Four Racing: "The ground looked quick enough for him and I'm chuffed. I knew he'd improve from Aintree and he will improve again. Kempton is the day I want him at his very best.
"He's slightly better right-handed and Daryl has given him a peach of a ride. We're back to where we want to be."