Nicholls admits Cheltenham concerns
February 20, 2012 12:40:32 UK
The Paul Nicholls trained Kauto Star in action.Trainer Paul Nicholls has revealed he has concerns over the health of some of his horses ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.
Nicholls’ yard includes Cheltenham legend Kauto Star, the only horse to have ever regained the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Big Buck’s, who is set to challenge for a fourth consecutive World Hurdle.
The champion trainer has cancelled a media day on Wednesday due to concerns over the health of a selection of his horses, but Nicholls declined to name any of his affected charges.
Nicholls had just one winner from 31 runners over Friday and Saturday as Zarkandar won at Newbury but the trainer has vowed to discover the root of the problem.
"It is fairly obvious we had a moderate weekend. We have several horses coughing," Nicholls said.
"It is my duty to leave no stone unturned now as we prepare for the last three weeks before the festival,"
Kauto Star can be backed at 4.50 to win the Gold Cup, while 2011 winner Long Run is available at 2.75.
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Big Buck's is priced at 1.83 to land the World Hurdle and Carlito Brigante is 34.00 to deny Nicholls' star a fourth consecutive victory.
The Cheltenham Festival begins on March 13, the World Hurdle takes place on the 15th and the showpiece Gold Cup race in on th 16th.
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