Nicholls makes most of current form in bid to thwart Tizzard charge

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls predicted a "right scrap" between himself and Colin Tizzard for the trainers’ title after he notched winner number 101 of the season following the success of Coillte Lass in the Listed mares’ novice hurdle.

Nicholls said: “Last year was a right scrap between me and Willie Mullins and it looks like being the same with Colin. If he won the Gold Cup, which he might well do, that is worth the best part of £300,000 and it would make things very interesting.

“At present Colin has had all the big winners and we are still £200,000 in front of him. We have a lot of horses still to run in the new year and we have to make sure we keep Mr Tizzard at bay over the coming months."