Nicholls hits back in title battle

Paul Nicholls showed he is firmly up for a battle in the British jump trainers’ championship by adding just over £59,000 to his tally when Regent’s Stroll galloped on strongly to land the Goffs UK Spring Sale Bumper at Newbury.

The five-year-old, which hails from the same family as the mighty Denman, was sent off as the 7/2 joint-favourite favourite but looked to have it all to do under a 4lb penalty when only fourth at the two-furlong pole.

However, he picked up in impressive fashion for Harry Cobden from that point on and ultimately powered to a five-length triumph ahead of Don’t Mind If I Do.

Cobden — still clear of Sean Bowen in the race for the jockeys’ title — was clearly impressed.

“He’s a very, very good horse,” he told Sky Sports Racing.

“He’s carried a penalty and the further he’s gone, the better he is. I always knew he was the best one (of the stable’s bumper horses), it’s a big statement to say that, but he’s proper. We’ve already schooled him and he jumps brilliant. It’s nice to have these horses.”

Nicholls had started the day approximately £80,000 behind Dan Skelton, who boosted his hopes of securing a first trainers’ title success when Heltenham battled on to land the £20,812 first prize on offer in the Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Handicap Chase.

Sir Psycho made the evens favourite work hard for victory but Harry Skelton conjured up one last surge from his mount in the closing stages to get up by a neck.

Having previously scored in the Greatwood Gold Cup over the same course and distance, Heltenham was cut to 14/1 with Coral for the Topham Chase at Aintree.