Nicholls gains some ground Paul Nicholls landed another blow in the trainers' title as Le Mercurey got the better of odds-on chance Bristol De Mai in Ayr's Jordan Electrics Ltd Future Champion Novices' Chase. Champion trainer Nicholls, still a long way behind Ireland's champion Willie Mullins thanks in large to a plethora of Grade One wins for Mullins at Cheltenham and Aintree, landed the opening contest on Saturday's card as Vivaldi Collonges defied top weight in the novices' handicap chase and Le Mercurey added to the tally with an impressive success in first-time blinkers. Sam Twiston-Davies bided his time on the six-year-old as Bristol De Mai attempted to make all under Daryl Jacob, but sent his mount level with the long-timer leader at the fourth-last fence. He forged into a clear lead approaching three out in the Grade Two contest and although slightly clumsy at the last, Le Mercurey came home seven lengths to the good after Bristol De Mai had nodded on landing at the penultimate flight and could never get back on terms. Nicholls told Racing UK: "His Ascot run was very good and if he'd had blinkers on there he might well have won. "He doesn't seem to like Cheltenham, the ground was too quick for him that day in the RSA Chase too really. "These horses would have run at this meeting anyway, regardless of championship, and they are in good form. "We don't want to give the British trainers' championship to Ireland if we can help it! "We just have to keep on winning races and they're going well now. We've still got a way to go but we're slowly getting there."
