Huge sympathy for Woollacott - but Whittington has more reason to feel aggrieved

Paul Nicholls must feel like a headteacher at the moment, welcoming a succession of new arrivals at the start of the autumn term.

Just as Lalor was settling in at Ditcheat following his switch from the Kayley Woollacott yard, news broke that Nicholls will be sent several high-class horses formerly trained by Harry Whittington.

There is always some indignation when horses move to bigger yards and, most understandably in these instances, the Lalor news caused the most ire. The horse has meant so much to the Woollacotts since the tragic death of his original trainer Richard and this is another heartbreaking blow for the family to come to terms with.