Dodging Bullets has given champion trainer Paul Nicholls a ninth victory in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

There was a sad aftermath when the popular Oscar Whisky had to be put down as a result of injuries he suffered in a fall at the fifth fence.

Nicholls also won the other Grade One on the card, the Henry VIII Novices' Chase, with Vibrato Valtat, as well as having a notable triumph at Aintree with Sam Winner.

Dodging Bullets was bred by jockey Frankie Dettori and in the absence of star names Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy, the 9-1 chance delivered and was given 10-1 quotes by Ladbrokes and Coral for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

"He's always been a hard horse to train as he's very buzzy. We've been hard on him since his last run. Today was the best he's ever looked and he was as fit as he'll ever be," Nicholls said.

"The Champion Chase will be our aim."