SAM Spinner and Joe Colliver produced career-best performances to win the JLT Reve De Sivola Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

The improving five-year-old (9-2) is a new star of the staying scene as he held off rivals L’Ami Serge and Unowhatimeanharry to win from the front and enhance his reputation ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.

Sam Spinner’s victory provided trainer Jedd O’Keeffe with his first Grade One success and it was the highlight of Ascot’s Christmas Weekend.

The three-runner Sodexo Graduation Chase looked like being a straightforward victory for favourite Adrien Du Point at the third last until Barry Geraghty made up 10 lengths to win on Coney Island after nearly a year off the track.

There was a nailbiting finish in the Lavazza Silver Cup as Gold Present chased down long-term leaders Frodon and Elgin to land the prize at 17/2.

Hunter’s Call took the Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle for the impressive Jack Kennedy, while Lizzie Kelly guided One Of Us to victory in the opening race of the day.

Finally, Mr Medic landed the My Pension Expert Handicap Chase after a vintage ride from James Best.

The previous day saw Claimantakinforgan raise his profile with a forceful victory in the SkyBet Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle.

The Nicky Henderson charge followed up a recent Newbury success with this display after Colin Tizzard’s unbeaten Slate House made a costly mistake turning into the straight.

It was a painful afternoon for Tizzard as his star novice, Finian’s Oscar, was held off in a photo finish by Benatar in the Mitie Noel Novice Stakes.

Divine Spear landed the Stella Artois Novices’ Handicap Chase under Nico De Boinville. Henderson’s six-year-old could be one to watch this season following up his Catterick success.

Meanwhile, Clondaw Native provided Stuart Edmonds with his first Ascot winner, Golan Fortune landed the Mitie Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle and Didtheyleaveuouto won impressively.

Racing returns to Ascot on Saturday, January 20 when the highlight will be the Clarence House Chase.