Kauto Star once again took top billing on an enthralling weekend of National Hunt action as he landed Haydock's Betfair Chase for the third time.

Having won the Grade One prize in 2006 and 2007, the nine-year-old had a few ghosts to lay to rest having parted company with Sam Thomas at the final fence in last year's renewal.

Despite being easy to back earlier in the week due to the testing conditions, the money certainly came for the dual Gold Cup winner on the day and he was sent off at 4-6 in the hands of Ruby Walsh.

Jumping with aplomb throughout, Walsh asked his mount to challenge Imperial Commander for the lead at the top of the straight and looked to have the race in safe keeping after jumping the second last.

However, Imperial Commander would not go down without a fight and after a titanic tussle on the run-in, the pair flashed past the post together.

While the naked eye suggested Imperial Commander, if any, had gained a narrow verdict, the photo told a different story and it was in fact Kauto Star who had won the day by the narrowest of noses.

The finish embodied everything that is great about National Hunt racing and allowed Kauto Star to gain the 12th Grade One triumph of his amazing career.

Nicholls said: "The best three words I have heard Ruby say are 'he needed it'.

"This week has been one of the most nerve-wracking I have ever had as I was slightly nervous of the ground and some of the horses have been slow to come to hand.

"I couldn't go to a King George without having a run and the ground wasn't the issue as much as him getting a bit tired in it.

"That run will sharpen him enormously and put him right for Kempton.

"To see him stick his head down and fight at his age is absolutely fantastic and is what racing is all about."

An elated Walsh said: "That is his 12th Grade One and people were still knocking him last week.

"This is as good a horse as we have ever seen and we should all appreciate him."

Twiston-Davies was understandably a little disappointed to lose out by such a narrow margin and added: "From every angle I saw he had got it, but there you are. I am sure the camera doesn't lie and he has run a hell of a race.

"There aren't many options so we will probably have to go for the King George.

"If this had been three miles and two furlongs then he would have won easily - bring on the Gold Cup."

Nick Williams left the racing world guessing as to Diamond Harry's future target after he sparkled under top weight in the £100,000 Timeform Betfair Racing Club 'Fixed Brush' Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old was trimmed to 12-1 from 16s by totesport for the RSA Chase should he jump a fence, while the sponsors of the Ladbrokes World Hurdle make him their 6-1 second favourite if he stays over timber.

Williams said: "He is a serious horse. That was his first time against handicappers after running in Grade One company so he was entitled to do what he did.

"The RSA Chase and the World Hurdle are both options and we will keep an eye on the opposition."

Also at Haydock, Mr Thriller lived up to his name by regaining the advantage to nail the smooth-travelling Starluck in the Tune Into Timeform Radio Hurdle.

The action at Ascot was equally informative and Triumph Hurdle hero Zaynar took the headlines by making an impressive return to action in the Coral Ascot Hurdle, beating Karabak by six lengths.

Coral make Zaynar a 6-1 shot for the Champion Hurdle behind 7-2 leader and stablemate Binocular.

Trainer Nicky Henderson said: "That was a slick performance.

"The obvious question I am going to be asked is where he goes next, and I haven't got a clue."

A drop back to two miles and three furlongs saw Jonjo O'Neill's Albertas Run (7-1) reach the number one spot for the first time since the 2008 RSA Chase in the Amlin 1965 Chase.

Winning jockey Tony McCoy said: "He struggled a bit last season, although he was second in the King George.

"I wasn't sure this trip would work, but after three fences he seemed really happy."

The action switched to Aintree on Sunday and Vic Venturi presented trainer Dessie Hughes with a second consecutive win in the totesport.com Becher Chase.

Hughes sent Black Apalachi to win the race last year and Vic Venturi (7-1) impressed in beating Keenan's Future by five lengths.

Hughes said: "There is only one race for him now and the Grand National will be the target.

"He may have a run over hurdles after Christmas to keep him ticking over and he'll then go for the Bobbyjo Chase once the National weights have come out.

"We'll have to come back for the National and Black Apalachi will also be back.

"We could have two contenders for the National this year - it is just a shame there are 38 others!"

Dev was also successful over the Grand National fences in the totesuper7 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase while Beroni put his name in the Aintree frame with victory in Navan's Troytown Chase.