Horse Racing

Saddle Up! – Nicholls announces Gold Cup Jockeys

Star-trainer Paul Nicholls has nominated the jockeys for three of his four charges entered in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. As two of the most-watched contenders in the Gold Cup, Kauto Star and Denman, are stable mates at Nicholls’ training facility, the official announcement of the jockeys has been long and eagerly anticipated. Telling from his selection of riders, Nicholls will only have the best for the best.

Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star will enter the race under the direction of Ruby Walsh. The pair have a well-established partnership; Walsh rode Kauto Star to victory at the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007 and 2009. Thirty-year-old Walsh has been performing solidly over the season, heightening confidence in his ability with his most recent win at the Kingston Veterinary Group ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle at Taunton on 4th March, on Nicholls-trained King’s Legacy.

Denman, winner of the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup, remains paired with Tony McCoy despite unseating him during the Aon Chase at Newbury on 13th February this year. Although the muddled performance caused a minor stir in the racing community, Nicholls insists that McCoy is indeed the man for the job – and the jockey’s proved his worth winning five races between the 1st and 4th of March.

Sam Thomas has been booked to take the leads of Tricky Trickster. The jockey has fared well with Nicholls’ stable students in the past; winning the 2007 Betfair Chase on Kauto Star and racing Denman first across the line at the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2008.