Champion trainer Paul Nicholls ends season in style with 410-1 five-timer

Saturday: Sandown

It has not all been plain-sailing for Paul Nicholls this season, but he ended the campaign on a remarkable note with a 410-1 five-timer on the day when he was crowned champion trainer for a 13th time.

He signalled his intent from the off when landing the opening bet365 Novices' Championship Final Handicap Hurdle with Knappers Hill, who won by four and quarter lengths under Harry Cobden, who himself rode four winners.

Nicholls is confident the six-year-old will continue to mature and can fulfil the promise of last year's Grade 2 bumper success at Aintree, with the Listed Gerry Feilden Hurdle at Newbury's big November meeting a likely target next season.

"He's a really nice horse," said the trainer. "We knew we had to qualify at Newton Abbot last week so I kept him fresh for that and that race brought him on a bit. He's done that nicely off top weight.

"You wouldn't know he's had a race and he's got so much ability. He was a bit of a baby this season jumping-wise, but he's learnt a lot. I think there's lots more to come, but he's proved how good he is."

Knappers Hill jumps the last on his way to landing the openerCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Nicholls and Cobden combined again in the following Grade 2 Oaksey Chase with Saint Calvados, who scored for the first time since 2019.

It was a return to form for the nine-year-old, who finished third in the King George on his first run for Nicholls in December before running in Grade 1s at Ascot and Aintree.

"He was entitled to win a race like that," said Nicholls. "He stays really well, but I don't think we've had him quite right this season. We're learning all the time and I think he can be fitter next year.

"I'm convinced he wants three miles as he galloped all the way to the line. We weren't trying to pinch an easy lead, but Harry said he wanted to try to make the running after his run at Aintree. He loves good ground and will go back to the King George on Boxing Day.

"Now we know him a bit more, hopefully he can go somewhere else, perhaps a race like the Charlie Hall, and I'm convinced the trip will not be a problem.

"We changed his routine after he was pulled up at Ascot and there are things we can try to help him improve again."

Saint Calvados (Harry Cobden) jumps the open ditch as he returns to form in the Oaksey ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

After landing the Celebration Chase with Greaneteen, Nicholls won his third Graded race of the day when McFabulous bounced back to win the Select Hurdle under Lorcan Williams.

He is set to go chasing next season and is likely to make his first start at Chepstow in October, with the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton in December singled out as a long-term target.

Samarrive capped a great day for the yard when winning the concluding 2m4f handicap hurdle, which took Cobden to 99 winners for the season.

Results, replays and analysis

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets