Races
PAUL NICHOLLS: Trainer achieves new personal best
Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer Paul Nicholls surpassed his career-best earlier this week
Legendary Ditcheat handler Paul Nicholls achieved a new personal best for a campaign when picking up his 172nd winner for the season at Perth on Wednesday afternoon.
The Somerset trainer is to be crowned Champion Trainer at Sandown’s Jumps Finale on Saturday, following another stellar season for his yard.
Threeunderthrufive’s Scotland success meant that Nicholls pipped his previous record tally of 171, set back in 2017.
Nicholls celebrated three victories at the 2021 Grand National Festival earlier this month, including in two Grade 1’s.
Clan Des Obeaux, who was confirmed to be heading for Punchestown next week, took the Betway Bowl in easy fashion after Monmiral’s victory over Triumph Hurdle runner-up Adagio in the Anniversary.
In the finale of the Merseyside fixture, Knappers Hill took the Grade 2 Bumper to maintain his undefeated record under Paul’s daughter, Megan.
Megan’s victory was in the race that followed National Hunt history, as Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National.
Speaking in the aftermath, Nicholls told the Racing Post: “We thought it was something that might be possible a while back and we’ve cracked it.
“It’s been a fantastic season and when you consider we missed May and June, it makes it all the more incredible.
“It reflects well on the whole team, from everybody who has been riding so well to all the owners and staff. Everyone has worked hard during some difficult times and the owners have stuck with us.
“Everybody’s enthusiasm has been rewarded and the horses have been fit and healthy and kept on running well and winning the right races.”
