Sam sidelined with knee injury Paul Nicholls' promising novice Sam Winner has been ruled out for the season. The Angela Yeoman-owned four-year-old was fourth in last-season's Triumph Hurdle and Nicholls started this campaign with high hopes for him over fences. However two falls in as many starts, and a serious injury sustained on the latter occasion, means that the son of Okawanga will be out for a long period of time. Writing in his exclusive column at www.betfair.com/paulnicholls, the Ditcheat handler explained:" I am sad to report that he sustained a fracture of his off fore knee at Cheltenham, and is out for the season. "In fact, it was such a nasty injury that he was only 50-50 of pulling through at one stage. But we sent him to Rossdales Veterinary Hospital in Newmarket and they did a great job with him, and so far, so good in his recovery. "He had two screws inserted to stabilise the fracture. "So while it is a blow for Mrs Yeoman, I am guardedly optimistic that he may be able to race again."
