Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson are engaged in a fascinating battle to be champion trainer, a title Nicholls has held for the past seven years. The 62-year-old Henderson hasn’t won it since 1987.
Henderson’s hotpot in yesterday’s opener, My Tent Or Yours, was beaten but still picked up £25,000 for second place and the trainer had two winners on the card through Simonsig and Rajdhani Express. Nicholls only had two runners on the card and, though both should have been competitive, neither was placed. Dodging Bullets was a disappointing ninth, though Zarkandar at least got £21,000 for fourth in the Champion Hurdle.
The overall effect was that Henderson cut Nicholls’ lead to about a third of what it was before day one and the Lambourn man should be in front by this evening. Sprinter Sacre would bring home £208,000 if, as widely expected, he hacks up in today’s big race. Henderson may not even have to wait that long, as he has significant chances in the second and third races.
Nicholls has a much bigger team than yesterday, however, and he will be hoping that Sanctuaire can at least limit the damage by nicking £78,000 for second place behind Sprinter Sacre. He does not appear to entertain real hope of a turn-up.
Standings
Nicholls £1,839,154
Henderson £1,758,011
Nicholls runs: 1.30 Hawkes Point, 2.40 Unioniste, 3.20 Sanctuaire, 4.00 Black Thunder, 4.40 Caid Du Berlais, Saphir Du Rheu, Ptit Zig, 5.15 Fascino Rustico.
Henderson runs: 2.05 Chatterbox, 2.40 Hadrian’s Approach, 3.20 Sprinter Sacre, 4.00 Cash And Go, Tour D’Argent, Ericht, 4.40 Megalypos.
Source:
http://www.news.ezonearticle.com/2013/03/13/cheltenham-festival-sprinter-sacre-wins-queen-mother-champion-chase/
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