Fantastic Five
NICHOLLS ENDS ON A BIG HIGH
HAVING been crowned champion jump trainer for the 13th time, Paul Nicholls wrapped up the season in spectacular style when landing a 410-1 five-timer at Sandown.
Knappers Hill, the first out of the traps for Nicholls, took the bet365 Hurdle under Harry Cobden.
Saint Calvados, also partnered by Cobden, landed the bet365 Oaksey Chase.
Greaneteen was untroubled to make it back-to-back victories in the bet365 Celebration Chase, also in the hands of Cobden.
Lorcan Williams then did the steering on McFabulous in the bet365 Select Hurdle.
Nicholls (inset) said: “It was good for Lorcan but I said sorry to Harry as I thought his horse, (Scaramanga who finished last) at the weights might be the one to ride.”
But Cobden was soon back in the winning groove after partnering Samarrive to victory in the bet365 Handicap Hurdle for Nicholls.
“Of course, any day you’d go racing, you’d be happy with one winner,” said Nicholls.
“To get five is just amazing and to do it on a day like today, on the last day of the season, is incredible.”
The only disappointment for the Nicholls came when much-fancied Enrilo was pulled up in the bet365 Gold Cup.
Victory went to the Irish raider and Shark Hanlon-trained Hewick.
Musical Slave arrived late to take second place with 4-1 favourite Kitty’s Light finishing third.
Success for Hewick, the mount of Jordan Gainford, was consolation for the gelding’s unfortunate run in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter where he was carried out of the race.
“Jordan said he was sorry as he thought we’d have won at Uttoxeter, and I replied, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll win at Sandown,’” said Hanlon, instrumental in launching Rachael Blackmore’s career when providing her with a first winner on Stowaway Pearl in 2011. And he had hoped to book the historymaking rider for Hewick. “We had hoped to get Rachael to ride the horse in the past but she wasn’t available,” said Hanlon. “But in fairness to Jordan, he gave him a cracking ride.
“He was a very inexpensive horse costing £800 – the price of a cow!”
As for future plans, Hanlon nominates the National for Hewick. And for himself, he said: “My plan was to go home this evening, but the plan has just changed!” KYPRIOS emerged as a potential Ascot Gold Cup contender after starring in a five-timer for Aidan O’Brien at Navan. Not seen since finishing fourth in the Lingfield Derby Trial 11 months ago, the four-year-old proved too strong for his older full-sister Search For A Song.