Nicholls pleased to get going as first runner finishes fourth

There was no dream start to Adrian Nicholls' training career as his first runner Sir Lancelott finished fourth but the former jockey was just delighted to get up and running.

As son of the late David Nicholls, the new trainer has the pedigree to make a success of the venture and he was stressing the positives after the five-year-old came close to reaching the frame behind winner Beadlam in the first division of the 1m½f handicap.

"I'm happy with that and it gives us something to build on," said the 36-year-old, whose stable is situated on the outskirts of Thirsk near to where his father enjoyed such great success.