Nicholls reaches century milestone

Paul Nicholls reached 100 winners for the season but had luck on his side when Dusty Bandit landed the toteplacepot Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle at Exeter today.

There must be some debate over whether Dusty Bandit and Liam Heard would have beaten Seeador had that rival not fallen when three lengths clear at the second-last flight.

Nicholls said: “That’s just the job, getting to 100 this quick, and I’m pleased for Liam as it was his first winner for us and his first under Rules.

“I said before the race, whatever you do, don’t hit the front until after the last, but when the leader came down he had no choice, and that’s why he idled on the run-in. He pulled his stick through and did a good job on the horse.”