Nicholls targets audacious Abbaye raid in poignant bid to emulate his father

Adrian Nicholls: hoping for similar celebratory scenes at Longchamp on SundayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Two decades on from David Nicholls winning the Prix de l’Abbaye, trainer Adrian Nicholls would dearly love to follow in his late father’s footsteps when saddling two runners in the top-level sprint on Arc day.

The Darryll Holland-ridden Continent prevailed by a nose in the prestigious 5f contest for sprint king Nicholls in 2002, with Nicholls jnr coming closest to winning the race in his riding days when third on Fire Up The Band in 2005.

Epsom Dash and recent Listed Abergwaun Stakes scorer Tees Spirit is joined by last year’s fourth Mo Celita on the trip to Paris for the Sessay trainer, with Nicholls’ big weekend starting with King’s Crown contesting the William Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar on Saturday.

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Jack HaynesReporter

Published on 29 September 2022inGrand National festival

Last updated 15:12, 2 October 2022

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