Breathing ops for Nicholls duo

PAUL Nicholls has revealed two of his leading John Smith’s Grand National fancies have had breathing operations.

The champion trainer has yet to win the Aintree showpiece but has Niche Market and Tricky Trickster in mind for the race this time around.

Writing in his exclusive column at www.betfair.com/paulnicholls he said: “He (Niche Market) was a 16-1 chance when pulled up in the race when with Bob Buckler last season. But he joined us in the summer and, after an early fall at Wincanton, he ran an excellent fifth in the Hennessy.