Nicholls back in front after National win

Paul Nicholls landed a huge blow in the trainers' championship as Vicente claimed the Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase.

Having enjoyed a double earlier on Saturday's card thanks to Vivaldi Collonges and Le Mercurey, reigning champion trainer Nicholls hit the front in the battle with Willie Mullins after Vicente (14/1) scooped 119,595 pounds at Ayr.

Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies was never too far off the pace under the seven-year-old novice and he stayed on strongly to score by two and three-quarter lengths from Alvarado, having taken it up between the final two fences in the four-mile contest.

Mullins' hopes of winning the big race for Ireland came to a premature end as Measureofmydreams crashed out in the early stages.

Then Folsom Blue, trained by Mouse Morris, who had won both the English and Irish Nationals, exited six out to end dreams of a historic hat-trick.

In the straight for the final time, it looked as though Seeyouatmidnight was going to strike for Scottish Borders trainer Sandy Thomson.

However, Vincente was brought with a perfectly-timed run to lead after jumping the last.

Alvarado (25/1) finished with a flourish to claim second place, two and three-quarters lengths behind the winner.

Seeyouatmidnight (14/1) was a head away in third with Royale Knight (20/1) fourth.

Twiston-Davies told Channel 4 Racing: "It worked out really nicely. He travelled well and he was good when he needed to be and that's what counts.

"It's given Paul a real chance of getting the trainers' championship. It's what we all work hard for."

Nicholls said: "That was a result. Brilliant ride, just we what we needed. It was perfect."