Lord of the Dance
Paul Nicholls reflects on a successful Cheltenham Festival
Sport

Paul Nicholls reflects on a successful Cheltenham Festival

Tahmuras was a disappointment but Greaneteen will head to Sandown

"Cheltenham started slowly for us, as it often does, said Paul Nicholls to Betfair

"Tahmuras was disappointing in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. He probably needs two-and-a-half miles. His form was rock solid but he underperformed.

"If we go again with him, he'll end up at three miles on decent ground at Aintree. He will have a wind-op in the summer.

"Greaneteen ran a blinder in the Champion Chase and would have been a very good second had he not made a mistake at the top of the hill. He will go to Sandown now."

Stage Star’s win in the Turners thrilled us

"Cheltenham kicked off for us with Stage Star's win in the Turners Novices' Chase on Thursday. It was a fantastic run from him and we were thrilled with it.

"The options for him now are the Grade 1 Novices' Chase at Aintree, over two-and-a-half miles, or a novices' chase the week after at Ayr. He could also go back to Cheltenham for a limited handicap, as he loves it there so much, the week after. That could be tempting."

Stay Away Fay could have one more run after winning the Albert Bartlett

"Stay Away Fay was very positive in winning the Albert Bartlett on Friday. It was an improved run from his performance at Doncaster and he will run once more this season then go chasing next season.

"We had plenty of placed horses who did well too. Captain Teague placed in the bumper and he has a big future.

"Hitman had a hard race [third in the Ryanair]. Aintree may come too soon for him but if he doesn't run there, he will go to Sandown on the last day of the season.

Pride in Bravemansgame’s effort in the Gold Cup behind Galopin Des Champs

"I'm mighty proud of Bravemansgame for his effort in finishing second in the Gold Cup. He just got beaten by a better horse on the day and I cannot understand how people can question whether he stays.

"We are considering one more run for him this season and have not completely ruled out Aintree.

"He could start next season in the Betfair Chase in November as I like winning that race."

Clan Des Obeaux is ready to go at Aintree

"He's going to Aintree fit and fresh for the Bowl. He's coming on, has done a lot of work and he's going really well. Hopefully the next week goes well and he turns up in the Bowl.

"We've still got a lot of lovely horses to run this season. The next six weeks can be the best of the season and I am aiming to beat my prize money record.

One to watch this week

"We are going to have a quiet week but I really like Knowsley Road in a three-mile handicap hurdle on Friday.

"It will be his last run before he goes chasing so hopefully he will win on Friday."