Girl Leads Nicholson Hopes

A total of 31 entries have been received for the inaugural running of the David Nicholson Mares´ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Along with the likes of Irish raider Sweet Kiln and Nicky Henderson´s Chomba Womba, Theatre Girl takes high order in the ante-post betting and would prove a poignant winner for Alan King.

The trainer was assistant to "The Duke" at Jackdaws Castle for many years and although he would love to win the race named in honour of his former boss, he insists that is not the reason Theatre Girl is running in the race.

"The intention is to run. She did very well when a close second at Doncaster against Nicky´s (Henderson) mare ? Chomba Womba," said King.

"Theatre Girl is a smashing mare. She was a good bumper horse last season and, while she is only a novice this season, the Mares´ Hurdle looks the logical route to go.

"She has never raced beyond two miles yet but we all feel that two and a half miles might help her.

"She had entries in the Supreme Novices´ Hurdle and the Ballymore Properties but this seems the race ? she is a 6-1 chance ? third in the betting ? and is entitled to be there.

"Of course I would love to win the first running of the race, but that is not the reason she is in the race."

Henderson has a strong potential team for the contest with Amaretto Rose, Shatabdi, My Petra and Doubly Guest entered alongside Chomba Womba.

(C) PA Sport