Nicholls enjoys Ayr raid

PAUL NICHOLLS’ bid to keep a hold of his trainers’ title received a significant boost in Ayr yesterday as Vicente claimed the Scottish Grand National.

The 9-1 joint-favourite won it ahead of Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Cogry, while 50-1 Benbens claimed third place.

Nicholls said: “We love coming to Ayr and this is a great race to win.

“He was bought for the National, that didn’t work out and today is his day.”

The victory completed a National double for The Sunday Post’s top tipster Reg Moore, who backed Vicente and also tipped Aintree’s big winner, One For Arthur, earlier this month.