Coughing leads to Nicholls cancelling media day

Paul Nicholls has cancelled a scheduled media visit to his yard on Wednesday.

The champion trainer was unhappy with the performance of some of his string over the weekend, and said it would be the wrong time to invite the press with some horses coughing in his care.

“It is fairly obvious that we had a moderate weekend,” said Nicholls.

“We have several horses coughing and my first priority is to the owners in my yard.

“It is my duty to leave no stone unturned now as we prepare for the last three weeks before the (Cheltenham) Festival and, in these circumstances, we do not feel it is appropriate to invite the media on Wednesday.

“I am very sorry for any inconvenience this causes, but I hope that all concerned will understand that my horses and owners must come first.”