Ferdy Murphy's Paddy's Return covered himself in glory with a game win in the £21,000 Grande Course de Haies de Cagnes over two miles five-and-a-half furlongs at Cagnes-sur-Mer yesterday.

Well ridden by Adrian Maguire, the near 21 to 1 shot duelled for the early lead with the favourite, Sydney Opera, in the most valuable hurdle race of the month-long winter jumping season at the French Riviera course.

Paddy's Return was strongly challenged by Sydney Opera at the last, but found the required extra to score by a length and a half. Scout Master was a similar distance away in third, with Espoir du Bocage a neck further adrift in fourth.

Maguire said: "Paddy's Return was very game and had the required answers when needed."

Riding arrangements have been finalised for Direct Route and Nordance Prince, two of the leading fancies in Saturday's Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot.

Norman Williamson had been linked with both horses but yesterday decided to stick with Direct Route, with Tony McCoy stepping in for the ride on Nordance Prince.

Williamson had agonised this week over the choice between Direct Route, third in last year's Champion Chase and twice second to Flagship Uberalles this term, and Nordance Prince, who sprang to prominence this season by landing the First National Gold Cup at Ascot and the Castleford Chase at Wetherby, before reaching his decision this morning.

Explaining why he had elected to stick with Direct Route, Williamson explained: "It was a difficult decision, but looking at it for the future I went for Direct Route as he has been a grand servant to me."