Golden run continues for Nicholls and Thomas

Just 24 hours after Denman’s breathtaking success in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, the Paul Nicholls bandwagon rolled back into town as the champion trainer saddled an 11-1 treble at Newbury, all ridden by man of the moment Sam Thomas.

The highlight was Big Buck’s success in the Mar-Key Group Beginners’ Chase and further big-race glory could be on the cards as the four-year-old was clipped into 10-1 favouritism from 14s with Paddy Power for the Arkle.