Nicholls Surprised At Festival Award

Paul Nicholls was yesterday celebrating the news that he had belatedly been awarded the title of top trainer at the Cheltenham Festival.

It had been thought that Greenhope's victory in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual had secured the honour for Johnny's son Nicky, but the rules had been misinterpreted by Cheltenham officials.

Both trainers had three winners at the meeting but the award should have gone to the trainer with the most prize money and not decided on seconds and thirds, as had been the case.

'It was a great week and that's the icing on the cake,' Nicholls told the Racing Post.

'We had three good winners, and although we had a few reverses with Kauto Star, Andreas and Le Volfoni falling, and some of the horses not being suited by the ground or the track, we would have settled for what we got at the start of the meeting.

'We've also increased our lead in the trainers' championship, so our fingers are crossed that we're now there.'

Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Noland and Royal and SunAlliance Hurdle runner-up Denman are to be roughed off for the season before going chasing but Nicholls still has plenty of firepower for Aintree and Punchestown.

'Kauto Star was a bit stiff after his fall but has been on the walker and if we can get him right he'll go to Aintree for the Melling Chase.

'If the ground was quick at Sandown Andreas could go there and Kauto could then go to Punchestown,' said Nicholls who also revealed both his Gold Cup runners Cornish Rebel and Royal Auclair were on target for the Grand National.

Henderson was philosophical on hearing the news.

'It was a wonderful week, and rules are rules,' he said.

Nicholls received a perpetual trophy and £2,000 for his staff.

(C) PA Sport