Champion British jumps trainer Paul Nicholls has celebrated another milestone with Irving giving him his 100th Grade One victory.

Irving bounced back from a fall three weeks ago to win the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.

Nicholls was quick to praise his landlord, Paul Barber, who set him on his way more than two decades ago.

The first of his 100 top level successes came with See More Indians in the Feltham Novices' Chase in 1993.

"I never thought I would reach this landmark. There was only one man who believed in me," Nicholls said.

"That was Paul Barber, he'll be watching from home and will be mighty proud of me. He's a great man and will be enjoying this as much as me."

Nicholls said Irving could now head to the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton in four weeks.