So far, so good says Nicholls as double cements title defence

After saddling his 91st winner of the campaign after Connetable landed a drama-packed beginners’ chase, Paul Nicholls issued a rather tentative half-term report on his prospects of another trainers’ title come April.

He said: "I suppose so far, so good just about sums it up as we have never been this close to having 100 winners on the board approaching Christmas in the past. It's going to be a case of keeping the horses fresh and healthy in the lead up to the big spring festivals.

"Looking at things now my main danger is Colin Tizzard and he could have the first and second favourite in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. If he won that then the £350,000 I am in front of him at the moment would be wiped out."