Nicholls rules in Champion Chase at Punchestown
Paul Nicholls' saddled a one-two in the Champion Chase at Punchestown as Twist Magic bounced back from his Cheltenham woe in fine style. The six-year-old has endured a chequered career to date, with a series a jumping errors curtailing his progress.
Indeed, the 6-4 favourite was forced to recover from a mistake at the second fence in order to stave off the challenge of Natal.
Jockey Ruby Walsh got to work with his mount two jumps from the end as Tony McCoy and Natal threatened to overhaul him, but the partnership held on by a length and three-quarters.
Mansony put in a storming finish to take third, just ahead of Schindlers Hunt in fourth.
"I was a bit concerned beforehand as I didn't think he looked as good as he can in the paddock," said Nicholls.
"He looked much better last spring at Cheltenham and Aintree. I thought Natal looked better and he has run a career-best.
"Fast ground suits Twist Magic well and as long as he is OK he will run again at Sandown on Saturday.
"I am sure we can improve the way he looks next season, but I might be being hyper-critical of myself.
"He has run great and the ground makes a big difference.
"Ruby is top-class and AP (McCoy) gave Natal a storming ride too. He is only a handicapper and two miles around here is quick enough for him."
Nicholls added of the runner-up: "I am just as chuffed with the second horse as he looked great and ran a fantastic race.
"It might be the end of his handicapping days, but he was getting there anyway. He is the sort you could run in the big two-mile races and pick up prize money. He could start off in the Haldon Gold Cup."
Comments
Add a comment
Be the first to comment on this
If you are a Gambling.com member, please login at the top left of this page.
If you are not a Gambling.com member, please complete our sign up form—membership is free and it takes just a minute or two to sign up.