Paul Nicholls believes Nevada Royale has "the world at his feet" after his impressive reappearance over fences at Exeter yesterday.

The grey was switched to hurdles last term following a nasty fall at the final fence at Newbury 11 months ago, after which the seven-year-old was on the ground for a worrying amount of time.

But Nevada Royale made a pleasing transition between the codes at the Devon track when scoring by 12 lengths and Nicholls said: "I should have put him away after he fell last year as he wasn't really right after that.

"The world is at his feet now. He might come back here in a fortnight and we will then step him up.

"There is a Grade 1 chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and he might end up there. Cheltenham wouldn't suit him unless it is soft."

Part-owner and renowned gambler Harry Findlay, who was getting back on the winning trail after being out of luck on a racecourse this month, was jubilant after an exhibition round of jumping under jockey Ruby Walsh.

Nevada Royale carries the Gold Cup-winning colours of Denman, and Findlay said: "That is the only winner I have backed this month, apart from Barack Obama to become US president."

Coral trimmed the winner into 14-1 from 20-1 for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Festival in March.