Nicholls puts faith in Thomas

SAM Thomas has been confirmed as the jockey for Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock this Saturday.

Speculation had risen about who would get the mount on Paul Nicholls’ star chaser in the absence of the injured Ruby Walsh, but the champion trainer has remained true to his word and stayed with his stable number two.

“I’ve booked Sam,” said Nicholls. “I said as much on Sunday and there have been all sorts of things written in the paper, but it was just a question of confirming things with the owner Clive Smith and he said he was happy with Sam.”