Major boost for Paul Nicholls as Jared Sullivan renews association

Paul Nicholls has been sent some serious firepower for the winter after renewing his association with leading owner Jared Sullivan, who has taken the decision to have all his horses trained in the UK.

The 11-time champion trainer has been sent a dozen horses, who were formerly trained by Willie Mullins, including Grade 1-winning mare Laurina and 2019 Racing Post Arkle scorer Duc Des Genievres.

Nicholls has trained a number of big winners for Sullivan, such as Silviniaco Conti, a dual winner of the King George VI Chase.

"We have as strong a team of horses as we've ever had," the trainer said in his Betfair blog. "The two main yards are full and all our biggest stars from last season are back. I'm thrilled to welcome back Jared Sullivan, who has sent us a cross-section of a dozen horses.

"I have trained loads of top winners for Jared in the past such as Zarkandar, Sanctuaire and Silviniaco Conti and it is great to have his support now he has decided to have his horses trained in the UK."

Laurina: has been moved from Willie Mullins to Paul NichollsCredit: Patrick McCann

Sullivan's team also includes Stormy Ireland, Dolcita, who was second in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, and Eglantine Du Seuil, who won the Grade 2 the previous year. He has also sent Nicholls some "really interesting" maiden hurdlers.

The good news does not stop there for the trainer, who has received the Malcolm Denmark-owned Next Destination. The eight-year-old was last seen winning a Punchestown Grade 1 in April 2018, when he beat Irish Gold Cup winner Delta Work by a neck.

"He's a talented horse," said Nicholls. "He has had one or two issues and the plan is to go novice chasing with him if all goes well."

The trainer also issued some updates on his leading lights from last season and said: "Topofthegame is being aimed at the Ladbrokes Trophy and our champion chaser Politologue is in good order.

"Clan Des Obeaux is likely to go for the Betfair Chase at Haydock before defending his crown in the King George VI Chase. Cyrname, who looks fantastic, will likely head for the Grade 1 three-mile chase at Down Royal, which should truly tell us if he stays the trip."

Sam Twiston-Davies celebrates after winning the King George on Clan Des ObeauxCredit: Edward Whitaker

Nicholls, who has trained six jumps winners this season, reflected on the period of uncertainty after racing was suspended in March.

"It feels brilliant to be looking forward to the winter with renewed confidence," he said. "When normal life came to a halt just after Cheltenham our horses were flying.

"It was frustrating that the loss of the last six weeks of the season cost us the chance of challenging for another championship. But it probably happened at the right time for jumps trainers.

"Crucially, everyone involved within our team has come through safe and fine. I was determined to look after our staff at Ditcheat, nobody was laid off and everyone was paid.

"We've had a bit of fun on the Flat in the last couple of months, including a double at Pontefract, ridden by my daughter Megan.

"Our squad of around 20 summer jumpers are going well but when the rain comes in October they will be off on holiday."

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