Champion trainer Paul Nicholls was more than surprised to see Taranis return to the track after a 766-day absence to win the Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday and was thrilled to report that the nine-year-old was ‘absolutely fine’ on Sunday.

The former Ryanair Chase winner is now available at 20/1 for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup after his six-length success over Carruthers (50/1), and Nicholls believes that Taranis will give market leaders Kauto Star (5/4) and Denman (15/8) a run for their money.

“He’s a very good horse, but to say I am surprised is an understatement,” Nicholls said after the win. “He’ll go straight for the Gold Cup now. Obviously Kauto and Denman are out in front but if this fellow improves a bit, and he should, he won’t be far behind them.”

Speaking on Sunday, Nicholls was delighted to report no problems after such a long lay-off.

“Obviously we were absolutely thrilled with him and it is always fantastic when a horse comes back so well after such a long time off,” he said.

“It’s even better news that he is absolutely fine this morning.”

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