Regal reigns at Chester

Regal Parade benefited from a well-judged ride by Adrian Nicholls to take the totepool City Plate at Chester today.

The 11-4 chance, trained by the jockey’s father, Dandy Nicholls, was settled in midfield early on before being asked to challenge for the lead soon after the turn for home.

This move proved decisive as Regal Parade quickly took a couple of lengths out of the field and had enough in the tank to hold fast-finishing favourite Balthazaar’s Gift by half a length.

“He’s a grand horse and he just keeps improving,” said Nicholls snr. “He ran well in the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot, where there was no gallop for him. We’ll go forward from here as he has few engagements.”