Nicholls Edges Closer Paul Nicholls clawed back a few more pounds in his titanic battle for the trainers´ title with Martin Pipe on Thursday. The West Country rivals had a total of 19 runners between them - 13 coming at the second day of the Perth festival meeting north of the border, and six at Fontwell. Pipe starting proceedings £20,260 in front of Nicholls, although that was reduced to the tune of £2,160 before racing began when the latter won his appeal at the Jockey Club against the decision of the Exeter stewards to demote Blue Endeavour from first place last month. He ended it £18,906.30 in front, thanks mainly to the win of Commercial Flyer in the last at Perth and the second of It Takes Time in the feature, with Nicholls being helped by the victory of Goblet Of Fire down at Fontwell. Nicholls was cut to 11-10 (from 5-4) by Coral for the title with Pipe easing to 4-6 (from 4-7). ? PA Sport
