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Solar shines for Nicholls

3 minute read

Owner Graham Wylie's familiar silks were carried to victory at Wetherby once more when Solar Impulse survived a blunder to win the bet365.com Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.

Paul Nicholls' four-year-old fenced well in the main, but down the back straight Noel Fehily was nearly ejected after jumping into the back of leader Hallings Comet.

There were five in line at the third-last, but the race changed complexion hugely when Hallings Comet fell and Dark Dune made a bad blunder, leaving the 10-11 favourite in the clear with just Turn Over Sivola in proximity. A big leap at the last helped Solar Impulse pull a length and three-quarters clear

Nicholls said: "He survived a scare, but it wasn't his fault. He didn't run badly first time out and I knew he'd improve, I don't know what we'll do next."

Wylie, whose colours were carried with distinction at this meeting on several occasions by Tidal Bay, added: "Tidal Bay is enjoying retirement, he's very relaxed. It's usually a good omen if we have a winner at this meeting. We could have gone to Down Royal (to watch Boston Bob and On His Own) but I can bring the family here easier."

Steve Gollings has a nice prospect on his hands in the shape of The Grey Taylor, who got off the mark at the first time of asking over timber in the Watch Racing UK Anywhere Novices' Hurdle.

Having run well in bumpers without scoring, the point-to-point winner helped to make it a real test under Richard Johnson.

Tony McCoy loomed up on Chieftain's Choice at the second-last, but he could never quite get on level terms and despite The Grey Taylor (17-2) running around approaching the last, he battled well to win by half a length.

Gollings said: "He's always shown us lots of ability and ran well in his bumpers. He's got an engine, but this horse can be dangerous at home if something sets him off. We debated whether to run him over further as he's won a point, but because he's quite highly strung we thought it might be easier to settle him over two miles.

"Our apprentice, Trevor Ryan, deserves a lot of credit as he has done a lot of schooling on him. He'll get further, but I think we'll keep him at this trip for now rather than disappoint him."