A Paul Nicholls double at Wincanton!

Thu 10 Oct 2019

Quite a nerve wracking day at Wincanton yesterday, with GET THE APPEAL making her hurdling debut and OLEG stepping up to fences for the first time. Both trained by Champion trainer Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden, they didn't disappoint!

Get The Appeal won the 1m 7.5f Mares' Maiden Hurdle, despite doing everything wrong! Having skidded into the first fence (the going was Good to Firm) and nearly slipping up on the bend away from stands, she also made a mistake at the final hurdle, but her class showed, as she stayed on to lead in the run-in and was ridden out by Harry. Over further, with softer fences is where we will see the best of her and anything she does over hurdles is a bonus!

Watch the race replay here: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/the-racing/race-replays/2019/10/09/#watch_on_racing_tv_mares_maiden_hurdle

Oleg was the Racing Post Star performer: "Oleg (3.10) made a winning switch to fences and looks a useful prospect."

Having curtailed his novice hurdle campaign, sending him straight over fences, after yesterday's win in the feature race of the day, it seems that this decision was the right one! The leader didn't mess about either, as the 1m 7.5f race was fast by 1.60 seconds and the quickest of the day. He took to the fences superbly, jumping neatly, making just a couple of novicey mistakes, which he is entitled to do. Everyone was delighted with his run, so we'll see what the handicapper does on Tuesday and take it from there.

Watch the replay here: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/the-racing/race-replays/2019/10/09/#racing_tv_hd_on_sky_426_chase_novices_limited_handicap

Our National Hunt Manager Tom Palin was in attendance, alongside Paul and Harry Derham. He says " The day couldn't have gone any better. It was great to see so many owners at Wincanton and it was the perfect start for both horses. I have some plans in mind for them both and as we will be visiting Paul's yard on Sunday for an owners stable visit, we can talk these through together whilst giving the horses some well deserved pats of praise! It was a milestone for our team of National Hunt horses, as the prize money they have earned this year passed the £100,000 mark, which is fantastic and I am very excited for the season ahead."

Well done to both sets of owners and thank you for Paul for sending us the lovely photo of them both in the yard this morning looking pleased with themselves - and quite rightly so!