Horse Racing: Commander in charge

Imperial Commander was imperious as the Cheltenham Gold Cup hero made a triumphant return to action in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

Agonisingly beaten a nose by Kauto Star in this race 12 months ago, Nigel Twiston-Davies' pride and joy went one better in the style of a chaser at the top of his game.

He erased the memory of defeat at Aintree in the spring, when he unseated Paddy Brennan, with a performance of quality.

After allowing outsider Atouchbetweenacara to make the early running, Imperial Commander went on at the tenth fence.

He had Nacarat for company for a while before setting sail for home, jumping the fences in the straight with some aplomb, before getting a little leg weary in the run to the line. That saw a rejuvenated Tidal Bay make up an enormous amount of ground to get within a flattering length and a quarter of the 10-11 winner at the line.

Planet of Sound was third with Nacarat fourth and What A Friend a disappointing fifth.

A delighted Twiston-Davies said: "That's just what I wanted.

"It was absolutely superb and I couldn't be happier. He will definitely come on for the race. He hasn't had a racecourse gallop or anything.

"There's only so much you can do at home, he wasn't absolutely race-fit but fit enough and his jumping was brilliant.

The trainer added: "He will go to Kempton for the King George, granted everything being all right.

"That's the next race for him and I've no worries about Kempton."