Nicholls' decision to put blinkers on Solar Impulse for the first time was rewarded as the six-year-old, owned by Graham Wylie, travelled strongly at the business end of a highly-competitive contest.

Taking the lead just before the last, he stormed up the hill to land the spoils by three and three-quarter lengths from Dandridge.

Rock The World, the 9-2 favourite, was half a length away in third and Savello was fourth.

Nicholls said: "When I declared him I thought I had to do something to try to get his form back as he had been disappointing.

"I thought we'd put blinkers on and it has just made the difference. You have to go with your gut feeling.

"He's always had ability, he's crept down the handicap and everything went right today."

Twiston-Davies said: "When we were discussing the race in the paddock beforehand I can't believe it has worked out the way it has.

"It's been disappointing the way this horse has been running all year, the blinkers and the better ground have made all the difference."

Wylie said: "I'm so pleased for Paul Nicholls as he's been dying to give me a Festival winner and he's now got me one."