Hors La Loi back in January
Having been off the course for 978 days, the 10-year-old put in some magnificent leaps to secure a two-and-a-half-length success on his first crack over fences.
"He suffered a slight over-reach in the race, but that will settle down in a few days and he won't run again until some time in January," said Nicholls.
"I wouldn't have wanted to run him again quickly as those horses who have been off for such a long time need time before you run them again."
Hors La Loi III was making his debut for Nicholls at Taunton, and the Ditcheat handler added: "For him to come back was a great team effort and I am really pleased for everybody who was involved.
"I did think if he jumped off he would win and he did."
