Nicholls 1,2 in Exeter opener Paul Nicholls began what could be a good day for his Manor Farm Stables outfit at Exeter when saddling the first two home in the opening Exeter Racecourse Christmas Raceday Hospitality Amateur Riders' Novices' Hurdle. Despite being easy in the market, Garton King, a full-brother to Toby Jug, showed the stamina in his pedigree to beat Royal Collonges. Will Biddick gave the three time winning 'pointer' for Richard Barber in Great Britain, a good intelligent ride to beat Neptune Collonges' half-brother Royal Collonges. Of course Biddick is a Cheltenham Festival winning pilot having steered Venetia Williams' Something Wells to victory in the 2009 Freddie Williams Festival Plate Handicap Chase. Meanwhile Harry Derham (Nicholls' nephew), sporting the Ann & Alan Potts colours on Royal Collonges, was having his first ride under Rules.
