Frodon's class came to fore as he secured a memorable Badger Beer Chase success in partnership with Bryony Frost.
The tough campaigner gave his all for his rider from the front to hand trainer Paul Nicholls his 11th triumph in the Wincanton feature.
The winner of the Grade 1 Champion Chase at Down Royal on this day last year, Frodon had been targeted at the valuable prize again.
However, persistent rain in Northern Ireland throughout the week meant Nicholls had a change of heart and kept the popular chaser closer to home – and the local crowd were the beneficiaries.
Frodon and Frost have become one of National Hunt racing's endearing partnerships, and having been dropped 6lb by the handicapper, the Ditcheat handler had no qualms about letting him carry top weight.
El Presente, a former Badger Beer winner, kept him company for the first half of the race but Frodon's brilliant jumping eventually put him under pressure and he faded away.
In the straight it was Lord Accord who was the only real danger, yet he got in tight to the last, which allowed Frodon (9-4f) to come home two and a half lengths clear. Cap Du Nord was third.
Bryony Frost punched the air as she went past the stands and returned to rapturous applause.
She said: "I can't wait for the local crowd to take the roof off here. Frodon is as he always is season in season out. You wrap yourself in his demeanour, he's just so hungry to win.
"As usual, our tactics were transparent and we were there to be shot at. I know it was greasy out there and it took all of his intelligence to help me and that was probably one of his trickiest rounds.
“Paul said to me this morning to put them to the sword and he's done just that."
Nicholls said: "That was an amazing performance. We were a bit negative about him at home as he galloped with Greaneteen the other day and looked a bit ordinary but on reflection that was a good bit of work.
“He's just a legend of a horse. I'm glad we came here today as we couldn't go to Ireland because of the ground."
