Interview with 12 times champion

I am delighted to announce that champion trainer Paul Nicholls will once again feature in the Talking Trainers section of One Jump Ahead. I spoke to the 12 times champ on Wednesday afternoon and we ran through over a hundred horses. Not surprisingly, Paul hasn't rested on his laurels during the summer spending heavily on 'new signings,' especially from the Irish pointing scene. These include some high profile acquistions with a series of six figure sums purchases. The Ditcheat yard has also been bolstered by some fresh talent from across the English Channel, including a Grade 2 winning hurdler who could be sent chasing this winter. Regular readers will be aware that I am a big fan of Paul - he doesn't suffer fools gladly and his record speaks for itself. It will take a mighty effort to prevent him adding a thirteenth title next spring.

Switching codes, Blackrod did the Top 40 in AOTF a favour when winning a competitive handicap at Newmarket's Guineas meeting during the spring. Seventh in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot next time, the four year old has reportedly left Michael Dods and been transferred to Ed Bethell. Entered in the Group 1 Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot in October, the son of Mayson is not the first horse owned by the Armstrong's to have shifted yards. Don't expect him to suddenly improve now he has left one of the best trainers of sprinters in the country.