Kauto Star (left) claimed the opening event.

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Paul Nicholls unveiled a possible Arkle Trophy contender as Kauto Star swept to an impressive debut success at Newbury.

The four-year-old was having his first run since switching from France in the Western Daily Press Race Club Novices' Chase and although he was sent off the 2-1 joint-favourite, he faced some pretty stiff opposition.

But when Walsh sent Kauto Star into the lead at the third-last fence, he quickly accelerated clear of his rivals, ultimately beating useful hurdler Foreman by nine lengths with the pair well clear of third-home Sleep Bal.

Nicholls was understandably delighted with the performance of Kauto Star, who was bought for owner Clive Smith in a joint deal with another nice prospect in the form of Le Seychellois.

"Ruby got off and said 'He's a machine - end of story'," said the trainer, who, along with Walsh, was initiating a near 16-1 double, although they were out of luck when favourite Ladalko was beaten into second in the feature Challow Hurdle.

"He had some very good form over hurdles in France but he was bought to go chasing and that is always where his future was going to lie. As soon as we schooled him over fences he was brilliant.

"We'll give him all the time that he needs - he's too nice to be rushed - but if we can get to Cheltenham for the Arkle Chase then that would obviously be nice."

Bookmakers, clearly impressed with the performance, immediately slashed Kauto Star's price for that contest with Paddy Power and Totesport offering 6-1, Coral 7-1 and Victor Chandler 8-1, having initially offered 10s.