Williams shines as Shearer hits the back of the net for revitalised Nicholls

Friday: Newbury

Lorcan Williams has enjoyed a fine campaign and partnered another winner when Shearer scored in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle for conditional jockeys, but the rider will not rest on his laurels.

Based with Paul Nicholls, Williams has now ridden 17 winners this season and said: "Last month was a bit quiet and I had plenty of rides, but was always hitting the crossbar.

"I don't set any targets. I set a target one season and didn't hit it, which was a bit disappointing, so I just ride the wave a bit and am happy with what I get.

"This game is so up and down, so I don't think you can have targets and I'm still finding my feet in it. I'm quite harsh on myself and do appreciate how things have gone, but I always want to do better.

"My debriefing of horses could improve and your riding can always improve, so I might go to France or Ireland in the summer to try to do that."

Nicholls, whose winner is named after owner Max McNeill's former Blackburn Rovers hero Alan Shearer, is an admirer of Williams and said: "He rides very well and is a big part of our team."

The imposing Gelino Bello powers homeCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The champion trainer suffered a quiet start to 2022, but was also on the mark in the 2m4½f novice hurdle with Gelino Bello, who might be back at Newbury one day for a Ladbrokes Trophy.

"We never found anything wrong, but they're running really well now," he added. "I think that's seven winners from our last 16 runners, which is astonishing when you think we were one winner from 30 three weeks ago."

Costly ban

Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Waley-Cohen got a five-day careless riding ban that ruled him out of the final day of this year's festival.

He was aboard his family's homebred Touchy Feely, who hung badly left in the mares' bumper won by Presenting A Queen.

The top amateur, who captured the Gold Cup on Long Run in 2011, was handed a suspension that starts on March 18 when the St James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase, in which he may have had a ride, takes place.

In The Air (yellow) strides on to win in styleCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Moore glory

Trainer Gary Moore and owner Ollie Harris have a smart four-year-old in Porticello, who is 10-1 for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, but they may have found another in French import In The Air, the winner of the .

"His next run will be at Aintree in the Grade 1 juvenile and I think he can improve a bit," said Moore.

"He's a horse for the future, a bit like Porticello, although he wouldn't be as big as him and I don't think he's quite up to that level if I'm honest. He's still a baby and has lots to learn."

Jamie Moore and Vive Le Roi (blue) ping the lastCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Moore's son Jamie did the steering and doubled up on Vive Le Roi, who showcased trainer Tony Carroll's talents by winning the 3m handicap hurdle.

Carroll, who also won a 6f handicap at Lingfield, said: "It's a great day for the yard. We've enjoyed a good couple of weeks and the horses are running well."

Lilith with a spectacular jumpCredit: Mark Cranham

And breathe

Relief was Anthony Honeyball's main emotion after Lilith landed the 2m4f novice handicap chase for mares.

"It's been whirring round in my stomach since Monday when she ran at Plumpton and I'm so pleased I was brave enough to run her, but she was whickering for her breakfast this morning," he said.

"I can breathe now."

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