22nd February 2012 Racing Plus Weekend at Kempton We are looking forward to a cracking Racing Plus weekend at Kempton this coming Saturday and it is graded action all the way with four of the races seeing some top Cheltenham Festival prospects on display.  The card kicks off with The Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle for the four year olds over two miles but the main feature of the afternoon is the Grade 3 Racing Plus Chase over three miles for the top handicappers.  Later on in the afternoon comes a further two mile Grade 2 Novice Hurdle (The Dovecote) before the Novice Chasers take centre stage in the Grade 2 Pendil Novices' Chase over two and a half miles half an hour later.  Newcastle also stages one of its most famous races on Saturday with the marathon Eider Chase over four miles being a contest that has traditionally been an informative Grand National trail. We shall have plenty of runners over the weekend and I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls  21st February 2012 Three Runners at Taunton We have three runners at Taunton today and hopefully they will all run well in light of recent developments at home.  We start at 2.00pm with Dualla Lord and Daryl Jacob teaming up in the two mile one furlong Novice Hurdle.  We then have to wait until 3.40pm when Edgardo Sol takes in the Handicap Hurdle over the same distance.  Foggy's Wall then completes the trio at 5.20pm in what is the closing Bumper.  Harry Derham comes in for the latter two mounts and claims seven pounds on both. Some of you may also have read about the unfortunate cancellation of our Cheltenham Press day which was due to happen here tomorrow (Wednesday).  This has been necessary due to a few of the horses coughing and with the Festival so close we have to take every precaution.  At the end of the day my horses and owners must be looked after at this very important time of year.  I have given a full explanation and update on my Betfair column 20th February 2012 Zarkandar takes The Betfair Hurdle Zarkandar put himself firmly in the Champion Hurdle picture on Friday with victory in the re-arranged Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.  All roads will now lead to Cheltenham and as I said after the race I am convinced there is further improvement to come from our five year old for the Festival in three weeks time.  Hurricane Fly will be the one to aim at there and if Ruby decides to partner the reigning champion then Daryl Jacob will ride Zarkandar. With the job done on Friday, Saturday turned out to be a little more frustrating with plenty of runners being sent across the country to the various top class meeting's on offer.  Unfortunately things didn't quite go our way with four second places, some fallers and a few disappointments thrown in but that's racing, we move on and today is another day. We won't have any runners on Monday but should be in action at Taunton on Tuesday.  Zarkandar incidentally was winner number 97 for the season so let's hope it's not too long before we have racked up the century. 16th February 2012 Cheltenham Festival preview at Castle Cary If you are able then please join us for a great Cheltenham Festival preview evening on Saturday 3rd March 2012 from 7.30pm at Castle Cary Rugby Club. Both myself And Ruby Walsh will be on the panel giving our thoughts about all the big races. We will also be joined by Kate Miller from William Hill, On course bookmaker Andy Smith and journalist Jonathan Powell. The price of Tickets is £25 including your first drink and a light supper.  Please note that entry to this event will be by ticket only.  For any ticket requirements please contact Emma Barber on (01749) 860707 or emmabarber@btconnect.com Alternatively please send cheques made payable to B & S V Hunt to Dairy Farmhouse, Lower Wraxall, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6RG along with a forwarding address where tickets will be returned by post. 16th February 2012 Three top class fixtures this weekend This Saturday sees some very good festival trails at Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton.  Ascot stages the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase over two miles and five furlongs as well as the three mile Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novice Chase.  There is also a three mile Listed Handicap Chase included on a tremendous supporting card.  Haydock have two Grade 2's in the shape of The Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle and The Betfred Goals Galore Hurdle (formally the Rendlesham) both over three miles.  With a reminder that Aintree is also approaching, they also stage the Grade 3 Betfred Grand National trail over three and a half miles among some very competitive racing. Our local track Wincanton also holds one of their biggest meetings of the year with the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle over two miles being the feature of the afternoon. We shall have plenty of runners and I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls  15th February 2012 2012 Grand National Weights published Although I couldn't be there, it was interesting to see the weights for the 2012 John Smith's Grand National announced at the annual luncheon in London yesterday.  This year I have just two entries for the race namely Neptune Collonges and Niche Market.  Neptune Collonges has been allocated 11st 6lbs which is enough weight for him going round Aintree however, I was delighted with Niche Market's 10st 5lbs which gives him a real chance especially considering how he has performed at the track before.  On the racing front we have now not had a runner for over two weeks due to the weather.  That should all change on Friday as we are set fair for Newbury's re- arranged Super Saturday card.  At the weekend we shall also be extremely active with runners at three meetings.  Home has been very busy but it will be good to get back in the swing of things on the racecourse 13th February 2012 Betfair Super Saturday re-arranged for Friday I am delighted that Newbury and Betfair have managed to re-arrange the majority of the Super Saturday card from the weekend.  It will now happen this coming Friday with the three feature races being televised on Channel Four. It means that they have saved The Grade 2 Betfair Denman Chase over three miles, The Grade 2 Betfair Super Saturday Chase for the two milers as well as The Grade 3 Betfair Hurdle which looks as competitive as ever.  Zarkandar should still make his eagerly awaited debut for the season there and as things stand all of my intended runners from Saturday will still go to Newbury.  The supporting races later in the afternoon also still include the re-scheduled Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novice Chase (from Sandown originally) and the finale on the card, a Grade 2 Bumper. We shall have plenty of runners and I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls  Although the weather has been causing havoc with the fixtures over the past two weeks it would seem that we should now get a clear run of racing as we prepare for Cheltenham with the forecast for much milder conditions this week.  That said we have not been held up at home at all which is great news as we are now just four weeks away from the Festival, I can't wait! 10th February 2012 Remembering Josh Gifford Like all of the racing community, I was saddened to hear the news about Josh Gifford filtering through yesterday.  Sadly Josh passed away on Thursday morning having been ill for a while I understand.  Josh was an absolute legend of racing having trained Aldaniti for his remarkable success under Bob Champion in The 1981 Grand National.   He was also a fantastic Jockey during the sixties when he was champion four times and trained many big race winners throughout the seventies and eighties from his stables at Findon. Josh also helped with the early career of one young rider, a certain P Nicholls who was kindly given a few chances by the trainer as an amateur and then encouraged by him to turn professional in 1982.  I was based at Findon when I rode a season best total of 23 winners during the 1982-83 season including partnering Approaching to victory at Aintree as a conditional on Grand National day 1983. Our condolences go out to Josh's wife Althea, his children Nick and Kristina and all the rest of his family. 9th February 2011 Get your orders in before Cheltenham Many of you will have noticed my Paul Nicholls branded merchandise, currently for purchase on our website, which was introduced just prior to Christmas and has received a great response.  There is now less than five weeks to go to Cheltenham so please order on line as soon as possible should you want any of these items to arrive in time for you to show us your support at Cheltenham. View Here Elsewhere, the weather continues to play havoc with the racing calendar at present but hopefully Newbury are rewarded for all their efforts with a result on Saturday.  Betfair Super Saturday is shaping up to be quite some afternoon of equine talent so lets hope it gets the go ahead. We shall have plenty of runners and I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls 7th February 2012 Newbury and Betfair Super Saturday Subject to the weather, the build up to Cheltenham moves to Newbury this coming Saturday with plenty of clues potentially on offer including The Betfair Denman Chase where What A Friend, Aiteen Thirtythree and possibly Tidal Bay may feature for us.  Unfortunately an intended public appearance by Denman is not possible at present with our now retired twelve year old feeling the ill effects of his tendon injury.  It is just taking a little longer than we thought to heal and he is simply not fit enough to travel. The Grade 2 Betfair Super Saturday Chase for the two milers is also on the same card as well as The Grade 3 Betfair Hurdle which looks as competitive as ever.  Zarkandar should make his eagerly awaited debut for the season there.  The supporting races are all noteworthy for the 2012 Festival including the re-scheduled Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novice Chase (from Sandown last week) and the finale of the afternoon which is a Grade 2 Bumper. Warwick also stages a Grade 2 contest in the form of The Kingmaker Novices Chase over two miles which traditionally has thrown up some very smart performers in the past and this years entries look no exception. We shall have plenty of runners and I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls 6th February 2012 Waiting on the weather It was very frustrating to have such a good meeting as Sandown lost to the elements on Saturday as racing goes into its first serious prolonged cold spell of the winter.  The forecast isn't inspiring with many of this week's meetings in areas of the country that are currently affected by the weather. On that note I see that Newbury have already covered up the course in an attempt to be ready for anything the weather may turn up during the week.  I certainly hope that we are racing on Saturday as I have a strong team to take to the Berkshire venue for some good prize money and important preparations for Cheltenham. At least it was milder here in the south west towards the back end of the weekend having been as low as minus seven degrees on Friday morning when we were at the top of Ditcheat hill watching first lot. 2nd February 2012 Weekend on Weather watch Having lost Ludlow to the weather on Wednesday, Escort'men will try instead at Wincanton today at 3.45pm in a Handicap Chase over two miles.  Once again he will be in the hands of the overnight weather as our local track has to survive an early morning inspection.  Atlantic Roller is also due to join him at the races for the closing bumper over two miles at 4.45pm.  Both will be partnered by Daryl Jacob. Sandown moves back into the spotlight this coming weekend with the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase over two and a half miles and a Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle over two and three quarters.  The same card also sees The Listed Contenders Hurdle which should see an appearance by a couple of the possible players in the Champion Hurdle market.  The Esher venue is also in the hands of the cold snap but fingers crossed, we should be OK. Wetherby also stages a Grade 2 contest in the form of The Towton Novices' Chase over three miles whilst Ffos Las also holds the highlight of its jumping fixtures with The William Hill Welsh Champion Hurdle. We shall have plenty of runners and I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls 1st February 2012 Treble at Taunton We bagged a very nice treble at Taunton on Tuesday with Dildar, Sanctuaire and then Ted Spread all winning nicely under Ruby Walsh.  All three victories highlighted they each have a bit of class and we should have some good prizes to aim at with the three of them in the closing months of the season. Their respective successes take our tally to 96 winners for the season and with the century now well within our sights we hope the weather doesn't get in the way of our current run of winners over the next few days. In terms of the rest of the week we have two runners at Ludlow today (Wednesday).  They are Escort'men in the Beginners Chase at 2.10pm over two miles and Saint Roque, two hours later, at 4.10pm in the Maiden Hurdle over two mile and five furlongs.  Both will be partnered by Daryl Jacob. Weather permitting we should be at our local track, Wincanton on Thursday and then Chepstow on Friday.  We will keep you updated with all our plans as we head towards Sandown at the weekend. 31st January 2012 Seven runners across the card on Tuesday We have four runners at Taunton and three at Folkestone today (Tuesday) which will hopefully reap some further rewards in the search for 100 winners as we reach the end of January. At Taunton our quartet are all partnered by Ruby Walsh kicking off at 2.10pm with the potentially exciting Dildar in a two mile one furlong Novices' Hurdle.  The talented, but enigmatic, Sanctuaire then tackles fences for the first time half an hour later in a two mile three furlong Novice Chase.  Ted Spread at 3.10pm and then the Aintree loving Frankie Figg at 4.10pm complete the line up in two extended two mile handicaps over hurdles and fences respectively. Meanwhile at Folkestone our trio, all partnered by Daryl Jacob, are Likeable Rogue in the 1.50pm a two mile six furlong Handicap Hurdle.  Merrion Square, in the two mile five furlong Maiden Chase half an hour later, and then Opening Batsman, in the two mile one furlong Novice Hurdle, at 2.50pm complete our runners for the day. 30th January 2012 Big Buck's makes it 15 in a row Big Buck's extended his unbeaten run over hurdles to 15 at Cheltenham on Saturday with victory under Ruby Walsh in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle at Prestbury Park.  Our nine year old is now just one race away from matching 1950's legend Sir Ken's record of 16 straight wins in a row over timber.  Hopefully that success will come at Cheltenham in March with an historic fourth World Hurdle victory thrown in as well. Big Buck's win turned around an otherwise frustrating afternoon although the day had appeared to start well with Pearl Swan passing the post in first place in the Grade 2 JCB triumph Hurdle Trail.  Our four year old then lost the race in the steward's room and was demoted to second with the news then coming through that Ruby had received a three day ban for careless riding!   That ban will see him miss the valuable Betfair Hurdle/Denman Chase Meeting at Newbury on Saturday 11th February. In the very next race That'lldoboy, who was travelling well with every chance under Ruby, came down at the third from home.  We then hit the bar with Poquelin and Tidal Bay who both ran well to be second and it looked like it wasn't going to be our day. However, our fortunes were about to change with Big Buck's in the Cleeve and the promising Rocky Creek up at Doncaster who won the Grade 2 River Don Novices Hurdle in good style for Daryl Jacob.With Sir Du Bearn having also won the Beginners Chase at Fontwell on Friday for Daryl all this means we now stand on 93 winners for the season and have now past the £1.5 million mark for win and place prize money.  27th January 2012 Pacha makes it 90 Pacha Du Polder and Daryl Jacob took us to 90 winners for the 2011-2012 season at Warwick yesterday taking the two and a half mile Novice Chase comfortably. Today (Friday) we have just two runners at separate meetings.  Sir Du Bearn heads off to Fontwell for a two and a half mile Beginners Chase at 3.00pm.  Daryl will again be in the saddle there.  Meanwhile up at Huntingdon the improving Oscargo runs in the three and a quarter mile Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier).  Harry Derham will take a valuable seven pounds off him near the top of the weights. Don't forget it's both Cheltenham and Doncaster this weekend.  I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls 26th January 2012 Off to Warwick on Thursday We have two runners at Warwick today (Thursday) as we close in on another target for the season, a century of winners.  If either of them oblige it will see us into the nineties so let's hope they do the business. Pacha Du Polder in the Novice Chase at 2.55pm and then Whiskey Yankee in the closing Bumper at 4.25pm are both partnered by Daryl Jacob. They are our first runners of what has ended up a quiet week in terms of numbers at the racecourse however I'm sure that will be more then compensated for at the weekend when it looks like we shall have plenty at both Cheltenham and Doncaster.  I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls  25th January 2012 Festival trails weekend The 2012 Cheltenham Festival gets ever nearer and with January having come and gone fairly swiftly it seems, this Saturday sees Festival Trails day at Cheltenham.  The final meeting at Prestbury Park before the big one will host no less than four Grade 2 contests and a Grade 3 including both The Argento Chase and The Cleeve Hurdle over three miles.  The afternoon looks set to see some big names on show including Big Buck's, all being well, who is an intended runner in The Cleeve Hurdle.  Big Buck's will try and make it fifteen hurdle wins in a row on his prep run before returning for The World Hurdle in March. Doncaster also arguably has its best National Hunt card of the year with three Grade 2's namely The Lightning Novices' Chase, a two mile Mares Hurdle and The River Don Novices' Hurdle.  The Yorkshire venue also stages the Listed Great Yorkshire Chase over three miles the same afternoon. We shall have plenty of runners and I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls 23rd January 2012 More weekend winners We completed our third double in as many days with two Grade 2 victories on Saturday afternoon.  Celestial Halo and Daryl Jacob victory up at Haydock in the Champion Hurdle trail and then Violin Davis scoring under Ruby Walsh down at Ascot in the Mares Hurdle means that we have had seven winners in four days. Their respective successes also take our tally to 89 winners for the season to keep me at head of the trainers' championship with just under one and a half million pounds in win and place prize money. We will start quietly again in terms of runners this week but we do have entries at Hereford on Wednesday, Warwick on Thursday and then Fontwell on Friday.  We will keep you updated with all our plans as we head towards Cheltenham and Festival Trails day at the weekend. 21st January 2012 Second Double in two days We recorded the second leg of consecutive day doubles on Friday, this time at Chepstow with Cristal Bonus and Hawkes Point both winning impressively.  The two were partnered by Ruby Walsh at the Welsh venue and their respective successes take our tally to 87 winners for the season. Having laid off the horses a little for a mid season break just after Christmas we are now beginning to reap the rewards for our patience with them coming back into form for the right time of the year.  The Cheltenham Festival is now seven weeks away and I can't wait. Hopefully the winning thread will continue at Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton over the weekend where we will have plenty of runners.  I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls  20th January 2012 Double on Thursday makes it 85 Firstly Pearl Swan and then Ranjaan, both partnered by Daryl Jacob, recorded a nice double to make it 85 winners for the season down at Taunton on Thursday.  Both of our young horses look to have some sort of future at the game and for them to put up such pleasing performances at this stage of their careers means we have something to work with over the forthcoming months.  Dualla Lord and Fistral Beach also ran encouragingly to be placed in their respective races on a satisfying afternoon for the yard. We have three runners at Chepstow on Friday, all partnered by Ruby Walsh.  Cristal Bonus is our first runner at 1.45pm in the Beginners Chase over two miles and three furlongs.  Jump City then goes in the two mile Handicap Hurdle just over half an hour later.  Hawkes Point completes our trio at 2.50pm in a three mile Maiden Hurdle. Our attention will then turn to a very busy weekend at Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton where we will have plenty of runners.  I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls  19th January 2012 Seven runners at Taunton We have no less than eight horses declared at Taunton on Thursday although only seven are now likely to run with Tigre D'Aron doubtful. With the exception of the 2.20pm we have at least one runner in each contest on a seven race card.  Kicking off at 1.20pm, Daryl Jacob rides six of them namely Dualla Lord, Pearl Swan, Express Leader, Ranjaan, Fistral Beach and Suspect in that order.  Ryan Mahon is our other jockey on duty as he rides Presenting Arms in the closing 4.20pm where we have two runners.  All look to have some sort of chance and hopefully we will have some winners to report on Friday. Yesterday Cedre Bleu made a successful debut over fences at Newbury under Ruby Walsh.  I see that he has received quotes of 33/1 for the Arkle but as I stated yesterday not every horse has to go to Cheltenham and there are plenty of options for him as we progress through to the end of the season.  Cedre Bleu's victory was number 83 of the 2011-2012 campaign for us. 18th January 2012 The Victor Chandler at Ascot Saturday sees yet more Grade 1 action as Ascot stages The Victor Chandler over two miles and a furlong.  The race is one that we have enjoyed much success in over recent years and our talented novice Al Ferof will bid to continue that trend as our representative in the contest this year.  Ascot also stages two Grade 2's on the same afternoon with a three mile Mares Hurdle and a Limited Handicap Hurdle over two miles and three furlongs.  There is also a brace of Grade 2's up at Haydock with The Peter Marsh Chase over three miles and a Champion Hurdle trail for those with Cheltenham ambitions over two miles.  Our local track Wincanton also stage a very competitive card littered with handicaps. I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls  Meanwhile today we have two runners at Newbury, both partnered by Ruby Walsh.  Firstly Cedre Bleu makes his debut over fences in the 1.30pm, a two mile one furlong Novice Chase.  Whilst later, new recruit, Workbench runs for the first time in the one and a half mile bumper. 16th January 2012 Cold start to the week Having given the horses a bit of an easier time at home early in the new year and generally had fewer runners including on Saturday when we only sent out two from Ditcheat to run for us in the Lanzarote at Kempton, the intensity of training and preparations for Cheltenham will begin to increase as we head towards the Spring Festivals. This week gets warmer for us literally as we start on a cold Monday without a runner.  We then have one at Fakenham tomorrow (Tuesday), should they survive a 1.30pm inspection today?  Like Minded and Daryl Jacob are due to run for us in the first race on the card at 1.20pm, a three mile beginners chase. Temperatures should have improved for Wednesday (Newbury) and then Thursday (Taunton and Lingfield) where we have several entries and should have plenty of runners.  We will keep you up to date with plans later in the week. 11th January 2012 Betfair Classic Weekend at Warwick Just to keep you all updated on plans for the rest of the week we should have runners at Fontwell Park's card on Thursday. We won't then have any runners on Friday but obviously will have plenty to keep us busy on Saturday with Kempton, Warwick and Wetherby.  Races of note include the Grade 2 Neptune Investment Novices' Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs and the three mile five furlong Grade 3 Betfair Classic Chase both at Warwick.  Kempton also stage their Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle, again over two miles five furlongs, just one of a number of handicaps on one of the most difficult Saturday's for punters in the racing calendar, I should imagine?  I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls 9th January 2011 Four runners at Taunton on Monday We have four local runners at Taunton today and it's great that Ruby Walsh will be over to partner three of them.  The one he won't be riding is Double Expresso in the 1.10pm, two mile one furlong claiming Hurdle; David Prichard takes off a valuable seven pounds and gets his chance there. Ruby then takes over around an hour later as Rangitoto bids to keep up his unbeaten tag for the season in the two mile seven furlong Novice Handicap Chase.  At 2.40pm Jump City runs in the two mile one furlong Novices Hurdle and finally Tigre D'Aron takes in the three mile Handicap Hurdle half an hour later. To update you on the weekend runners, Hold Fast became our 82nd winner of the campaign at Sandown on Saturday when taking the two mile handicap chase under Ruby.  It was an improved performance by our eight year old following his Newbury run before Christmas and he is learning all the time.  Neptune Collonges also ran a stormer to finish a staying on second behind an improver of Alan King's in the three mile handicap chase. 4th January 2012 Prospects in the Tolworth Hurdle Picture This for Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson became winner number 81 for us up at Folkestone on Monday.  Our gelding, partnered by Harry Skelton, only had one other rival to beat on the day but you can do no more than beat what's in front of you.  With the festive celebrations and holiday season now well and truly over, 2012 gets into full swing this coming weekend with the main action on Saturday focusing around Sandown and Wincanton.  Sandown hosts the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle in which Andrea and Graham Wylie's, Prospect Wells may line for us?  The Esher track also has some very decent supporting handicaps on a competitive looking card.  Our local track, Wincanton, are also back in action with a decent post Christmas fixture. We shall have plenty of runners and I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls 2nd January 2011 Celestial rounds off the year I was delighted with Celestial Halo at Newbury on Saturday (New Years Eve) as our gallant old hurdler carried top weight to victory, giving the majority of his rivals the best part of two stone and a beating, in a typically gutsy display.  It rounded off 2011 on yet another high in what has been quite an extraordinary year for us all here at Ditcheat. It also moved us on to 80 winners for the season following a double on Friday at Taunton where Black Thunder and then Salubrious took both divisions of the Novice Hurdle under Daryl Jacob.  Daryl has also been on a hot streak whilst riding for us as second jockey and has now clocked up his season best total. 1st January 2012 Happy New Year from Paul Nicholls On behalf of myself and all of the team here at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat I would like to wish all of our owners, staff, fans, supporters and helpers a very Happy and prosperous New Year. Let's hope that the forthcoming year is a good one for us all.  Inevitably, the countdown is now on to The 2012 Cheltenham Festival which is just over ten weeks away.  1st January 2012 New Years Day at Cheltenham After seeing out the old year and bringing a new one in, we are off to Cheltenham this afternoon for their traditional New Year's Day fixture. Highlights on the card include the Grade 2 Dipper Novices Chase and the Victor Chandler (Grade 3) Handicap Chase.  The supporting contests also look like some very competitive racing to start 2012.  We will also be racing down at Exeter on a very busy day. As usual I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the our runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls 30th December 2011 Harry's win takes us to 77 What a busy period between Christmas and New Year it has been with Kauto Star's victory at Kempton on Boxing Day the undoubted highlight for us all here at Ditcheat.  That was borne out by the hundreds of people who turned up in the village and lined the streets on Tuesday as Kauto did his lap of honour past the pub and then back to the stables. Tuesday also brought another winner for us with Ranjaan taking the juvenile Hurdle at Kempton and with Harry The Viking also winning the staying Novice Chase at Doncaster on Thursday we now stand on 77 winners for the season. Wednesday saw us have a runner in The Grade 1 Lexus Chase (sadly not Denman) in Ireland, Noland carried the flag well for the team and was bang there turning for home eventually getting tired and finishing fifth.  We are racing fairly near home in Somerset today (Friday) as we head down to Taunton for their traditionally well attended holiday fixture.  We will have four runners in total with Black Thunder and Salubrious running in each of the two extended Novice Hurdle divisions at 12.40pm and 1.45pm respectively.  Ted Spread contests the shorter Novice Hurdle at 2.20pm before The Reformer takes his chance in the Handicap Hurdle at 4.00pm.  On Saturday we will be racing at Newbury with the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle over two mile and five furlongs being the feature of the day.  The supporting card is also very competitive including The Mandarin Chase. As usual I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair  www.betfair.com/paulnicholls  27th December 2011 Five King Georges for Kauto Star What a fantastic day for us at Kempton yesterday with Kauto Star putting up another magnificent performance to beat Long Run in a truly memorable and historic victory.  It was our eleven year olds fifth win in the race and the trainers seventh.  The reception we received afterwards was amazing and again may I take this opportunity to thank all of those who have contacted us with messages of thanks and congratulations for providing such a Christmas spectacle. Sadly Master Minded suffered a nasty tendon injury during the race and has been transferred to the vets at Newmarket.  Thankfully the injury shouldn't be life threatening but it may prove to be career threatening?  We should know more over the forthcoming days and weeks and will keep you all informed. We had a treble on the day as we scored a double at our local track Wincanton.  Deireadh Re (Handicap Hurdle) under Harry Derham and then Rangitoto (Novice Chase) with Nick Scholfield on board means that we now stand on 75 winners for the season. 25th December 2010 Busy Christmas Day Whilst many others will be taking it easy, Manor Farm Stables is still a hive of activity this morning with everybody in for morning stables.  After attending to 125 horses and giving them a canter most of the staff will gradually drift off to their Christmas Lunch destinations.  However there will still be many of us around into the afternoon and early evening in order to care for our inmates.  Like so many others involved with animals there is no let up in our work for the holidays! Happy Christmas. 24th December 2010 Happy Christmas from Paul Nicholls On behalf of myself and all of the team here at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat I would like to wish all of our owners, staff, fans, supporters and helpers a very Merry Christmas. A big thank you to everyone who has sent seasonal messages and I sincerely hope that everyone enjoys the festivities over the next few days.  23rd December 2011 Ready for the King George We are just about ready for The King George at Kempton on Boxing Day with both Kauto Star (Ruby Walsh) and Master Minded (Daryl Jacob) on course to line up for the Grade 1 contest which is undoubtedly the highlight of the first half of the season. Kempton also stages two other Grade 1's on the same afternoon with The Feltham Novice Chase over three miles and The Christmas Hurdle over two miles.  There will be racing all over the country and we shall have runners at various destinations including our local track Wincanton. Whilst writing it is also worth mentioning that I was delighted to hear the news from Haydock that Kauto Star is to have a Bronze Statue erected at the racecourse.  The statue has been commissioned by Betfair, to mark his wonderful achievement of winning four Betfair Chases at the venue. As usual I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls 22nd December 2011 Some Memories of Denman With the dust having settled on the announcement that Denman has now been retired I thought it may be a good time to post a quick thank you to everyone who has paid tribute or shared their favourite memories of one of the true greats of Ditcheat.  We have received hundreds of letters, e-mails and messages wishing Denman a long and happy retirement with many asking to come and visit us for one more audience with the old boy.  We have responded where we can but hope you can understand that to accommodate everyone is impossible. I am fortunate to be able to say that he was not a once in a lifetime horse for me personally with the likes of Kauto Star and Big Buck's stabled here but that does not detract from the tremendous ability and determination of an absolutely legendary racehorse.  I was delighted to hear that Newbury and Betfair have kindly agreed to honour Denman at Newbury in February when the Aon Chase will be run in his honour. 19th December 2011 Big Buck's makes it fourteen in a row What can you say about Big Buck's after his remarkable fourteenth straight victory in a row on Saturday this time at Ascot?  By taking the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle Big Buck's has now further extended an unbeaten run over hurdles that dates back over three years and in the process surpassed Bula's achievement of thirteen hurdle wins in a row.  He is now just two away from equalling the record of sixteen wins on the bounce set by the mighty Sir Ken back in the 1950's.  Five Dream also ran another great race behind him to give us first and second in the race. Ruby Walsh and I completed yet another wonderful Saturday treble on the day as both Aerial, in The Graduation Chase and The Minack, in the Listed Silver Cup Chase both stayed on nicely in the testing conditions to score. After all of this weekends activity we have now moved on to winner number 71 for the season and have also now broken through the Million pound mark for win and place prize money for 2011-2012 currently standing on just over £1,110,000. 16th December 2011 Three runners at Ascot on Friday Subject to the weather we should have three runners at Ascot on Friday with Ruby Walsh flying over to partner them all.  Rocky Creek kicks us off in two mile six furlong Maiden Hurdle at 12.45pm.  We then have a break before Pacha Du Polder contests the Grade 2 Novice' Chase over two mile and three furlongs at 2.30pm.  Finally Sir Du Bearn runs just over half an hour later in the two mile six furlong Handicap Hurdle to conclude our trio. Friday is the first day of the two day Christmas meeting so as usual I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair  www.betfair.com/paulnicholls  Whilst writing, can I also take this opportunity to thank all those people who have written in and called or e-mailed with messages and best wishes for a 'happy retirement' to Denman.  Many of you have shared your favourite memories and highlighted the moments of his career which stand out to you.  All of your tributes are greatly appreciated by us all here at Ditcheat 14th December 2011 Big Buck's and the Long Walk This Saturday sees Big Buck's back in action as he attempts to keep up his unbeaten run over hurdles in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.  It is worth noting that this year it looks set that Big Buck's will finally contest the race at Ascot rather than Newbury where the race has been saved post Christmas due to the adverse weather of the past two seasons.  There will also be a really competitive supporting card on offer on what will be the last big Saturday before Christmas and with that in mind we will have plenty of runners at this weekend's fixtures.   Other supporting races include the Listed Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle over two miles and two decent three mile Chases namely the Listed Silver Cup at Ascot and The Tommy Whittle Chase up at Haydock. As usual I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of the weekend runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls Today we also have runners at both Bangor and Newbury including Minella Stars, Polisky and Pasco who all travel to Royal Berkshire. 13th December 2011 Kauto to line up for King George Having spoken with owner Clive Smith on Sunday the decision has been made that, all being well, both Kauto Star and Master Minded will line up for the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. Ruby Walsh will once again partner Kauto Star who will be bidding for a fifth success in the Grade 1 contest.  Daryl Jacob will be on board Master Minded having ridden him to victory recently at Ascot.  It will be our dual Champion Chase winners' first attempt at three miles but if he is ever going to stay three miles then it should happen at Kempton. 12th December 2011 150th Training success at Cheltenham It seems to be a regular Monday headline for me on the website but I had yet another memorable weekend, this time at Cheltenham as the milestones seem to keep coming my way during what has so far been a remarkable season.  It started on Friday with the big news that Denman had suffered a set back in training and with time not on his side any more the decision was made for us all that he will now be retired. With an outpouring at Prestbury Park of interviews and reaction to the news it was good to acknowledge the old horse by recording a victory later in the afternoon with Oscargo and that victory took me to 150 wins as a trainer at Cheltenham.  A milestone I share with only three others - Martin Pipe, Fulke Walwyn and Fred Rimell.  To be associated with names like that makes me feel very proud. Saturday then saw us have another double at Cheltenham fittingly with Denman's colours for owner Paul Barber being carried by Join Together (three mile Novice Chase) as both he and then Diereadh Re (Grade 2 three mile Novice Hurdle) recorded Cheltenham winners 151 and 152 under Ruby Walsh.  Harry The Viking was also in the winner's enclosure for a similar length Novice Chase up at Doncaster so yet another Saturday Treble was in the bag. On Sunday Ascendant was a rare foray into a selling hurdle for a Ditcheat horse and he duly obliged at Hereford to make it winner number 68 for the season.  As a result of the weekend we also now stand tantalisingly close to the Million pound mark for win and place prize money for 2011-2012. 8th December 2011 The International at Cheltenham It's back to Cheltenham on Friday and Saturday as they stage their International meeting over two days at Prestbury Park.  We have some nice races to aim at over the two days starting with a competitive card on Friday which features the Grade 3 Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Chase over three miles and a furlong.  Mon Parrain will be lining up for that. On Saturday there are no less than three Grade 2 contests including the two mile International Hurdle, for those with Champion Hurdle ambitions, and the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle over three miles.  The Relkeel Intermediate Hurdle over two and a half miles then completes the trio.  As usual the re-named Grade 3 Spinal Research The Atlantic 4 Gold Cup (Handicap Chase) over two miles and five furlongs  will also be run, this year without Poquelin, the winner for us for the past two seasons. Doncaster also have a very good two day meeting which features yet another Grade 2 Hurdle, this time for the Juveniles over two miles on Saturday as well. I will be providing a full run down and appraisal of their chances along with all our other runners in my Racing Column exclusive to Betfair   www.betfair.com/paulnicholls 7th December 2011 Peterborough Chase on Thursday It's one of the few remaining fixtures of the season that feature a Thursday graded race at Huntingdon tomorrow when they stage The Grade 2 Peterborough Chase.  We shall be represented by The Nightingale in the two and half mile contest with Daryl Jacob on board and hopefully he will go well.  We will also have a second runner on the card at 3.00pm when Italian Master runs in the Novice Hurdle, over the same distance as the feature, again with Daryl in the saddle. We will also be in action today at Ludlow with Twist Pistol and Ryan Mahon lining up for the two mile Novice Chase at 1.10pm. Meanwhile local to us down here in Somerset, Taunton will hold a competitive card including three of ours.  Rolling Aces at 12.50pm in the three mile Novice Hurdle, Mr Hudson an hour later in the two mile three furlong Novice Handicap Chase and Doeslessthanme in the two mile Handicap Chase at 2.50pm complete our runners for the afternoon.  All three will be partnered by Nick Scholfield. Home Shop Horses News Stables Gallery Contact Winners Sitemap Links VIEW MORE NEWS