Jacob Gives Nicholls National Win

Neptune Collonges won the 2012 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree in the closest finish ever, with a nose the winning distance.

Paul Nicholls' grey (33-1), owned by John Hales and ridden brilliantly by Daryl Jacob, was one of several horses in with a chance turning for home but the former Gold Cup third stayed on best of all to collar Sunnyhillboy (16-1) right on the line.

Joint-favourite Seabass (8-1), ridden by Katie Walsh ran a fine race in third, with Evan Williams' Cappa Bleu (16-1) back in fourth.

Fifth place went to In Compliance (100-1), whilst last-year's hero Ballabriggs ran a gallant race one position further back.

The well-fancied Synchronised unseated Tony McCoy on the way down to the start and unfortunately the Gold Cup winner suffered a fatal fall.

West End Rocker and Junior departed at the second fence, whilst Viking Blond was the very first runner to go at the first obstacle

A clearly overcome Jacob said: "You can't beat this. I was on a tough horse and I said to Paul that one day I would ride you a National winner.

"That was two years ago and now I've done it."

Nicholls said: "He's probably the best horse we've run in the race. "He's got great form, he's been placed in Gold Cups, he stays, he's genuine and Daryl gave him a fantastic ride when you analyse where he went. It's absolutely brilliant.

"It's blown Nicky Henderson out of the water now (in the trainers' championship).

"Any good race would do, but this is the race we wanted."

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Kinane Wins Aintree Legends

Mick Kinane landed the honours on American Trilogy in the John Smith's Aintree Legends Charity Flat Race at Aintree.

The 13-times champion Irish Flat jockey, who retired at the end of 2009, took the Paul Nicholls-trained grey into the lead about two furlongs out.

Brushing off the challenge of Waldvogel, ridden by 1997 Grand National-winning jockey Tony Dobbin, American Trilogy stormed clear to win by nine lengths.

Waldvogel kept on for second, a length and a half ahead of Cape Express, ridden by Marcus Armytage, who won the National in 1990.

Kinane said: "A fraction of it (ability) is still there, it was great to do it.

"Bob (Champion) rang me in December and he caught me at a good moment. I put the phone down and thought what have I got myself into? Just as I'd come to terms with retirement!

"This is a fantastic cause and it's a pleasure to be a part of it.

"I was fishing around for a ride and Paul Nicholls came up with this horse.

"He said the horse had lost a bit of confidence over fences and his rating suited the race.

"I said to Paul afterwards to take a picture so he could get a Flat one on the wall to go with all the jumps winners!

"It was great to ride for the champion trainer and the horse travelled beautifully.

"I was very confident turning for home that unless somebody was stalking me, I was in good shape."

Nicholls said: "It's lovely to give Mick a winner and it was a nice outing for the horse, too.

"I'm pleased for the owners as they've lost family to cancer, so they wanted to support this race.

"He travelled so well, I'm tempted to run him on the Flat.

"He did run on the Flat in France and I'm sure there'll be some races for him."

Ruby Delivers Big Buck's Record

Big Buck's duly made history with a 17th consecutive victory over hurdles in the BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree.

In a race devalued by the exits of Poungach, Won In The Dark and Smad Place in the back straight, Paul Nicholls' charge was not extended to win the Grade One race for a fourth time.

Sent off a prohibitive 2/9 favourite, Big Buck's cantered round behind leaders Across The Bay and Poungach until the latter capsized, taking out Won In The Dark.

Smad Place then made a bad mistake and got rid of Robert Thornton four flights from the finish, leaving the door open for Big Buck's to surpass Sir Ken's previous record set in the 1950s.

Jumping to the front three out, Ruby Walsh eased the nine-year-old away from the three remaining in touch, and two more fluent jumps in the straight sealed victory by nine lengths, from a seemingly revitalised Crack Away Jack (33/1) with Across The Bay (50/1) keeping on for each-way supporters.

Flattered

"He seemed to be idling a little in front," said Andy Stewart, owner of Big Buck's. "Alan King's horse (Smad Place) was right behind us until unfortunately he came to grief. I was glad to see them all get up.

"We take every race as it comes and we are totally flattered by the reception he has been given by everyone here. He hasn't had an off-day since unseating in the Hennessy a few years ago.

"Undoubtedly (this win means the most), this is absolutely marvellous. Each win is very precious, but obviously to do 17 and go into the record books is very precious to us.

"It's been very flattering. People have been coming up for my autograph - he's more newsworthy than I am, but it's a privilege.

"Next year he'll go for the same programme and the Cleeve Hurdle as well."

Nicholls said: "It was straightforward today. He jumped and travelled and did everything right. We're happy with him.

"Now he's got older it pays to give him a race between the Long Walk and Cheltenham, so the Cleeve is ideal. We'll follow the same route."

Walsh added: "The easy part is riding him. He's an incredible horse. He's skated in today. It wasn't as competitive a race as Cheltenham.

"He's bolted in and the last couple of years he's been better here than at Cheltenham.

"We're lucky we've never got to the bottom of him. He's never been extended over hurdles. I would say there's more there."

Buck's Fizz Again for Ruby

Big Buck's won his fourth Ladbrokes World Hurdle in great style at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday after a battle with Voler La Vedette up the hill.

Ruby Walsh went to the front just before the home turn with Oscar Whisky, Thousand Stars and Voler La Vedette all seemingly cruising in his slipstream.

However, the first-two mentioned weakened quickly when push came to shove and it was left to the Colm Murphy-trained mare to give the champion a race.

And that she did, as Andrew Lynch was still motionless jumping the final obstacle, yet Big Buck's just kept on finding more as Walsh applied the pressure.

The four-time champion, winning his 16th race in succession, is one of the all-time greats of the sport and he was one-and-three-quarter lengths ahead at the line.

Smad Place ran on well for third and was a further seven lengths back from Voler La Vedette.

Cross Kennon and Five Dream, Big Buck's stablemate, made the running with Big Buck's unusually quite close up from early on.

Mourad forced the pace some way out with Big Buck's moving into second place and Oscar Whisky and Thousand Stars waiting in the wings.

Big Buck's had those under control but then Lynch played his cards late on the Colm Murphy-trained mare Voler La Vedette.

The two horses switched positions on the run to the final flight with Big Buck's moving out to the centre of the course and Voler La Vedette to the nearside rail.

There was still all to play for on the final slog up the punishing hill but Big Buck's had been there so many times before that he was not going to surrender his record, even against such a worthy opponent.

The win was as much a relief as joy for Nicholls, who had seen several of his horses run disappointingly since Rock On Ruby won the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday.

Walsh said: "He's an amazing horse. We went a good gallop and sprinted off the bend when he got to the running rail.

"The way Paul's horses had been running they were starting to doubt but boy this lad is good.

"I rode him much handier than last year - they were all speed horses, Thousand Stars, Oscar Whisky, So Young, but the only one that stayed was this lad.

"He's just a great horse and thank God I ride him."

No Hurricane for Walsh as Ruby Rocks

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Rock On Ruby ran out a most impressive winner of the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham under Noel Fehily. 

With Overturn adopting his customary front-running tactics, Fehily sat closest to him on Paul Nicholls-trained 11-1 shot Rock On Ruby. 

The two opened up a gap on the rest of the field heading down the hill and all of a sudden, those in behind were struggling to bridge the gap. 

Last year's winner and hot favourite Hurricane Fly came out of the pack to try and challenge, but he was never getting there and Rock On Ruby stayed on best up the hill to beat Overturn by three and three-quarter lengths. Hurricane Fly was only third.

While odds-on favourite Hurricane Fly could be spotted travelling strongly under Ruby Walsh in the middle part of the race, the jockey had gone for his whip long before the turn for home. 

The first two dominated the race from start to finish and of the pair, it was Fehily who had most up his sleeve and in the end his mount was a decisive winner to give Nicholls his first Champion Hurdle victor. 

Binocular, winner of the race in 2010, tracked Hurricane Fly for most of the race having been held up at the back of the field. He, too, made late ground to finish fourth, but as with the majority of the field, it was all too late. 

Fehily said: 'I went down and schooled him earlier in the week and he felt amazing. 

'I was told not to worry about sending him on but I was worried going to the last as he was pulling up a little bit, but he picked up again afterwards. 

'The ground probably suited him a little bit today, he was very well on the day.'

Nicholls, who saddled four of the runners, said: 'It's just testament to the whole team. It's a really tremendous effort and everyone is going to be thrilled. 

'I didn't like the way Zarkandar looked in the paddock. He was a bit shelly and a bit light. 

'This horse is a seven-year-old, he's the right age, and it's brilliant. 'It was a great ride by Noel. He's a good man and has got a great winner. This is awesome.'

Assistant trainer Harry Fry, who effectively looks after the training of Rock On Ruby in Nicholls' satellite yard, said: 'I'm speechless. This is what you dream of. 

'It's great to be part of the team. With Richard (Barber) and Paul, you wouldn't ask for better. 

'They've given me the chance and the opportunity. 

'We wanted to win. We didn't come here to finish second best. We were here to win and he's come and done it. 

I didn't think he'd win that well. It's a brilliant day.'

All Gold for Kauto Star

Kauto Star will bid for a third Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup victory after delighting connections in an "awesome" schooling session at his Ditcheat base.

The 12-year-old was feared a doubtful starter in Friday's showpiece event when it emerged he had suffered a schooling fall at trainer Paul Nicholls' yard earlier this month.

Nicholls was concerned about his condition after the tumble but after making massive strides in his recovery, Kauto Star was back on top form when enjoying a racecourse gallop at Wincanton on Friday.

Connections were keen to see how he fared in another schooling session before confirming his participation, but after pleasing Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh, Kauto Star will try to add to his Cheltenham wins in 2007 and 2009.

Nicholls said: "Clive (Smith, owner) and I have given Kauto Star the green light for the Cheltenham Gold Cup after a very good schooling session on the grass this morning.

"Ruby came over to school him and Kauto was awesome, just as I'd thought he would be.

"He jumped six fences - the plain fence and the open ditch three times each - and he was foot perfect and looked magnificent.

"I have just put the phone down to Clive and, barring any mishaps in the next few days, Kauto lines up for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Friday.

"We are looking forward to it."

Monday Decision for Kauto Star

Kauto Star has come through a racecourse gallop at Wincanton to suggest the two-time Gold Cup winner will be fit for Cheltenham next week.

It was feared the 12-year-old would miss the Gold Cup on 16 March after a fall but he has recovered rapidly.

Kauto Star was put through his paces for two miles by regular jockey Ruby Walsh and raced alongside Mon Parrain.

He will now go through a jumping session on Monday before trainer Paul Nicholls makes a final decision.

Before Friday's gallop, Nicholls had told BBC Radio 5 live: "There's huge improvement.

"This time last week I was resigned to the fact he wasn't going to run, but now it is good signs. We're going the right way very quickly. "

Last week Nicholls said Kauto Star was only "50-50" to compete in the race after falling at the stable yard.

Nicholls added: "I just said to Clifford [Baker, the stable's work rider], 'you told me last Wednesday it was 50-50 - how would you put it now?' and he told me, 'nearly 100%'.

"He did normal work today with Big Buck's [another horse from the Nicholls stable] with no ill effects, I'd be surprised if he doesn't work really well tomorrow.

"This sort of injury always goes quickly. It wasn't anything more serious than bruising and he's going the right way."

Kauto Star has become an iconic jump racing figure in a record-breaking career which included an unprecedented fifth King George VI Chase in six years at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The Gold Cup was expected to provide a much-anticipated showdown between the veteran and defending champion Long Run, who is five years his junior.

Since his fall when schooling over small obstacles on 26 February, Kauto Star has been having physiotherapy and an hour's exercise on a horse walker every day.

Nicholls said Kauto Star took "a pretty awful fall" when he broke the news six days after his tumble.

Ruby Relishing Cheltenham Book

Ruby Walsh is relishing his strong book of rides at the Cheltenham Festival headed by Hurricane Fly, Quevega, Big Buck's - and hopefully Kauto Star.

He has already amassed a total of 32 Festival winners, overhauling two years ago the record of 25 set by the late Pat Taaffe.

The latter is remembered for his association with three-times Gold Cup hero Arkle and Walsh has built up a similar relationship with Kauto Star.

They have already won two Betfred Gold Cups, but their prospects of going for a third depend on whether the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding recovers well enough from a schooling fall to take his chance.

"I hope Kauto Star gets there 100%, but whether he'll win or not he'll be a great ride," Walsh told Racing UK.

"Realistically, I think over that trip Long Run will be very hard to beat. It's not Cheltenham that suits Long Run, it's the trip."

He gets the leg up on Kauto Star's half-brother Kauto Stone in the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase and is expecting a big run.

"I'll probably ride Kauto Stone in the Champion Chase and I think he'll finish second," he said.

Walsh, who has the pick of rides from the Nicholls team and Irish trainer Willie Mullins, took the Stan James Champion Hurdle on Hurricane Fly for the latter last year.

And the Mullins stable star is a hot favourite to repeat the trick on Tuesday week.

"He was a really good winner last year, but probably travelled a bit too keen for me on the day," Walsh said.

"Luckily enough, he was good enough to get away with it. He's been good ever since and fingers crossed he gets there in the same sort of form."

Walsh reports Quevega from the Mullins camp to be in fine shape as she tries to win the OLBG Mares' Hurdle for the fourth year running.

"She's in good nick. I schooled her last week and she jumped well. She's been working well," he said.

"She's a bit of a lady. Willie looks after her and she's in good old form at home. Obviously she (Unaccompanied) would be a danger if she runs. She beat Thousand Stars at Christmas and she'd be in there with a challenge."

The Nicholls-trained Big Buck's also seeks to land the Ladbrokes World Hurdle for a fourth time, with Walsh full of praise for the stayer who goes for his 16th win in a row.

"He's a very good horse. The more winning he has done, the easier he is to ride," he said.

"You definitely wouldn't get off him. He used to stop when he got to the front and he used to idle - he's not like that anymore. He's an unbelievable stayer."

Walsh is hopeful Nicholls' Al Ferof can give the exciting novice Sprinter Sacre a race in the Racing Post Arkle Trophy.

"He likes good ground, he schooled last week and he's in great form," Walsh added.

"It does hinge on Sprinter Sacre, who has looked breathtaking. If I can keep on his tail, there'll be nothing finishing faster than Al Ferof."

Nicholls Happy with Star Reports

Paul Nicholls reports Kauto Star has taken a "big step forward" and "a bit of the old swagger returned" after watching him work at Ditcheat.

The legendary steeplechaser fell when schooling at the champion trainer's base last week and while no serious injury was suffered, connections revealed he was only 50-50 to bid for a third Gold Cup.

However, Nicholls expressed his satisfaction after seeing the 12 year-old enjoy a canter with stablemate and fellow Gold Cup hope What A Friend.

"Kauto had his physio this morning and had an hour on the walker, and you could just tell that he had more of a buzz and a spring in his step, and that a bit of the old swagger had returned," Nicholls said in hisBetfair column.

"So we decided to send him out second lot and he did a strong canter over ten furlongs with What A Friend, and delighted us.

"And when Clifford (Baker, head lad) pulled up and said 'big step forward', he didn't need to add anything. I could simply tell by the smile on his face.

"I cannot tell you how massively relieved I am to see Kauto progressing and going forward.

"Don't get me wrong, or carried away, because he is not there yet.

"Not at all, and things can change daily. But this was a step in the right direction and I'm much happier, I can tell you.

"We were going to give him Sunday off but I have decided to keep the momentum going and he will have another canter tomorrow.

"I just hope that Clifford and I are as pleased with him tomorrow, as we are right now."

Earlier, Nicholls admitted he faced "the biggest decision I've ever had to make" regarding whether Kauto Star would be allowed to line up in the blue riband in less than a fortnight's time.

No final decision will be made on his Prestbury Park participation until next weekend.

"It's getting better and better every day," Nicholls said.

"He's never taken a lame step, he's never been off his grub, he looks great and he's cantered every day since it happened.

"He can't talk to you and tell you exactly where it (pain) is, it's impossible to tell. Clifford can just tell by riding him.

"Every day he comes back from work, he always has a roll. He hadn't done that until yesterday morning, so that's a good sign. We're moving forward.

"The idea is to work him hard as normal next week and next Saturday he is due to do a strong piece of work, his last serious gallop, with Big Buck's.

"There are no fitness issues here, we haven't missed any work and he was fit and well.

"Next Saturday will tell us, then I'll have a discussion with Clive (Smith, owner) and Clifford. We'll all have a little input and see if we can come up with the right decision.

"It's a difficult decision, probably the biggest decision I've ever had to make.

"We've got it right so far this season, we want to try and get it right again."

Kauto Star Rated 50-50

Two-time champion Kauto Star is rated "50-50" to race in the Cheltenham Gold Cup after suffering a fall on the gallops on Friday.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 12-year-old took a "pretty awful fall" under jockey Ruby Walsh at his Somerset yard.

"There's no easy way to say this but Kauto Star is only 50-50 to make the Gold Cup," said Nicholls on Betfair.

The 16 March Cheltenham showpiece was expected to be a duel between Kauto Star and defending champion Long Run.

“Even if there is the slightest doubt in our minds, then he stays at home. No question.”Kauto Star's trainer Paul Nicholls

Kauto Star's owner Clive Smith told BBC Radio 5 live: "I'm very, very concerned indeed. There is grave doubt whether we can make it. We're just hoping for the best that he makes a bit more of a recovery from this point in time.

"He will not run unless the best veterinary advice says he is up to taking part in such a serious race. There's no question the horse's welfare is paramount and we want the best future for him."

Nicholls added in his blog: "As a trainer, it is all too easy to sit on information when it comes to your horses.

"They have so many minor worries, niggles and setbacks - most of which turn out to be nothing of long-term importance - that you could be constantly updating on each of your string, to the press and the public, on a hourly, daily and weekly basis.

"But our policy at Ditcheat is always to be up front and honest about the well-being of our horses - such as the coughing scare last week - and especially so when it is a public, and once-in-a-lifetime horse, such as Kauto.

"In my opinion, the public have a right to know. In many ways, he is as much theirs, as Clive Smith's and ours.

"So I am sad to report that his participation at the Cheltenham Festival is in doubt."

Nicholls said Kauto Star was clearly sore after the fall and admitted he hoped he would be showing more improvement by now.

"Next week is crucial for the horse," added Nicholls.

"He is still cantering each day but I can assure you right now that Kauto Star won't be going anywhere near Cheltenham unless we are all convinced - Clive Smith, myself, Clifford and the team here - that he is 110%.

"Even if there is the slightest doubt in our minds, then he stays at home. No question. We will do what is best for the horse. Always have, always will. End of story.

"But one thing I think we have all learned with Kauto is never to write him off."

Walsh told Racing UK: "He's done it a few times on the track but never at home, he's probably been round that school a thousand times.

"If I knew why he'd done it you'd prevent them all falling. It's part of racing. It's not great timing but it happened.

"I've seen horses bounce back from this and win the next day. If he's right he'll run and if he's not he won't.

"I don't even want to think about what I might ride if he doesn't run."

Kauto Star looked to be in the twilight of his career at the start of the season following the defeats by Long Run in the 2010 King George and the subsequent Gold Cup in March before pulling up at Punchestown in May.

But Nicholls's charge, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007 and 2009, hit back to beat younger rival Long Run in the prestigious Betfair Chase at Haydock in November .

And he created history when he again defeated Long Run to land a fifth King George VI Chase victory at Kempton Park on Boxing Day to set up the Cheltenham showdown.

"This is very serious," said BBC horse racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght. "It would be a real blow to the Gold Cup - an enormous shame not just to racing but to sport in general. When champions come back and try to win again people love to see them in action and if he's not there to take on Long Run he will be sorely missed."

Kauto Star Delights Nicholls

Paul Nicholls is delighted with Kauto Star as he prepares for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup at Prestbury Park next month.

The only horse ever to regain the crown after adding success in 2009 to his first two years earlier, Clive Smith's gelding has been in irresistible form this term, defeating 2011 hero Long Run in both the Betfair Chase and King George VI Chase.

Kauto Star has been unaffected by the recent coughing outbreak among some horses at trainer Paul Nicholls' stables, and delighted connections in his latest workout.

"He's in good form," said Nicholls.

"Clifford (Baker) worked him on Saturday morning and we've got three weeks to get him in tip-top form."

His half-brother Kauto Stone is also on target for Cheltenham with the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase rather than the Ryanair Chase looking the more likely option after he ran too free in the Ascot Chase last time.

"He's in the Ryanair and the Champion Chase and we've got to make a decision," the Ditcheat trainer said.

"If he ran in the Ryanair the way he did at Ascot he won't get home so we might look at the Champion Chase."

Nicholls is unlikely to pitch Dodging Bullets into the JCB Triumph Hurdle, even though he ran ante-post favourite Grumeti to a length and a half in the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle on his debut over jumps at Kempton on Saturday.

"He ran a great race. I'll probably go to Aintree with him. He's a bit green and inexperienced to be going to the Triumph," he said.

Paul Nicholls Cancels Media Day

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has cancelled his pre-Cheltenham media day as some of his horses are coughing.

Nicholls had been due to throw open the doors of his Ditcheat yard to the massed ranks of the media on Wednesday as the countdown to the National Hunt Festival begins in earnest.

But he revealed on Monday that the event has had to be called off.

He said: "It is fairly obvious that we had a moderate weekend. We have several horses coughing and my first priority is to the owners in my yard.

"It is my duty to leave no stone unturned now as we prepare for the last three weeks before The Festival and, in these circumstances, we do not feel it is appropriate to invite the media on Wednesday.

"I am very sorry for any inconvenience this causes, but I hope that all concerned will understand that my horses and owners must come first."

As ever Nicholls has an all-powerful team being prepared for the Festival, headed by two-time Gold Cup winner Kauto Star and three-time World Hurdle hero Big Buck's.

Nicholls: Kauto and Long Run Even

Paul Nicholls believes it will be "even stevens" when Kauto Star and Long Run clash in the Betfred Gold Cup at Cheltenham on March 16.

The champion trainer has remarkably brought Kauto Star back to peak form this season during which he has beaten the defending Cheltenham champion in the Betfair Chase and William Hill King George VI Chase.

However he is under no illusion about the size of the task he faces next month, telling the Racing UK podcast: "If Kauto was four years younger, then he would be favourite, but I suppose people think Long Run will be better suited to Cheltenham and he is the champion after all.

"Without a doubt, Kauto is better than last season, and it is difficult to know whether Long Run has improved since last year, so it should bring them closer together.

"Not having Denman in the race will also help, as he would harry and pressurise him at the top of the hill. The quicker they go the better early on, but then it's just a case of getting a breather in, and Kauto never had that chance with Denman up his backside.

"Last year, he wasn't quite finishing, but if we can get him a bit fitter, he should finish better up the hill.

"He's cantered pretty much every day since the King George; we haven't been too hard on him but now's the time to up a gear. We've got five weeks to really tune him up and got some hard graft to do to get his fitness levels up, along with a bit of schooling."

Looking back to Kauto Star's victories over Long Run at Haydock and Kempton, Nicholls added: "It took him a while to get over his races last year. These two races were like he was when he was at his very best. He was so fresh the next day. He's a confidence horse and there's no sign of aging.

"Going into the King George, we thought Long Run would improve for his first run and thought he was the one to beat.

"But I was astounded at how Kauto had improved and looked before Kempton. I think it's even stevens between them now."