Nicholls awarded Cheltenham’s top trainer accolade

PAUL NICHOLLS ended the Cheltenham Festival with the accolade of top trainer at the meeting courtesy of three winners, highlighted by Denman’s victory in the Gold Cup.

The champion trainer was also on the mark with Master Minded in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Celestial Halo in the Triumph Hurdle.

He took the award in a photo-finish with Alan King, who also had three winners but did not have as many second places. For the fifth time, Nicholls was crowned leading trainer at the festival, having taken the prize in 1999, 2004, 2006 and 2007.