Noland makes Nicholls' day

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Nov 2, 2008 | by JIMMY WALKER

PAUL NICHOLLS had a day to remember when he scored a double within half an hour at Down Royal.

Nicholls saddled Kauto Star who won the Jim Nicholson Chase, the big race on the card, and then followed up with Noland, who took the Killutagh Properties Chase.

"This has exceeded my expectations," said Nicholls. "I had expected Kauto Star to win but Noland has had breathing problems and we might have brought him to the race too soon. However he did everything asked of him and pleased owner John Hales."

Noland followed the longtime leader Fingeronthepulse and it looked at one stage as though Fingeronthepulse would hold on to his advantage.

But in the closing stages Walsh persisted with Noland and he took the lead three fences from home to go clear and win with plenty in hand.

Arthur Moore's Sole Bone Femme won the valuable William Ewart Handicap Hurdle before Walsh completed a treble on Ross Accord, trained by Tony Martin, who won the handicap chase.