There was relief and delight in equal measure for Paul Nicholls at Wincanton on Saturday as Blueking D’Oroux bounced back from his Newton Abbot defeat to hand the Ditcheat trainer a record-extending 12th victory in the Grade Two Boodles Rising Stars Novices’ Chase. It was a proud moment on Badger Beer Ladies Day, the second day of the West Country Weekend, where Nicholls’ trademark patience and persistence were again richly rewarded.
The gelded son of Jeu St Eloi had been an odds-on disappointment on his chasing debut last month, but under Harry Cobden, he produced a more polished, determined display this time. Though there were a few heart-in-mouth moments over the two-and-a-half-mile trip, Blueking D’Oroux’s engine and Cobden’s composure ultimately told in the closing stages.
Turning for home, three horses were still in contention, but as Rightsotom faded, it became a duel between the favourite and Breaking Cover. Blueking D’Oroux’s bold leap at the last sealed the deal, drawing clear to win by a length and giving Nicholls his second winner of the day.
“He stays well,” said a visibly pleased Nicholls. “We thought maybe he didn’t want three miles, but I think it might help his jumping in time. He’s a careful horse, not one of those big, scopey types, but he knuckled down and did it well. The last was brilliant — he needed that.”
Nicholls added that future plans remain fluid. “We’ll have a look through the programme book. Windsor might be a bit sharp for him, and he doesn’t want it too soft — he hated that last year. His chase handicap mark could work out nicely, so we’ll see. If he hadn’t done that today, he might have gone back over hurdles.”
Sweet Caryline Shines for Tizzard and Romans
The afternoon also brought emotion and celebration for owner John Romans and trainer Joe Tizzard, as Sweet Caryline claimed her biggest career success in the Paul & Richard Barber Memorial Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.
Running from four pounds out of the handicap, the daughter of Blue Bresil — named in memory of the late Kim Gingell, Tizzard’s sister and Romans’ close friend — produced a heartfelt victory to complete a hat-trick for the season.
Romans reflected warmly: “When Kim and I had winners, we’d always sing Sweet Caroline. I named this horse after her, and she’s turned into a good one. I’m sure Kim’s looking down on us.”
Tizzard was equally delighted: “It was a big step up in grade, but she was race-fit and light on her feet. She surprised me a bit, but it was a lovely surprise — this win opens up plenty of doors.”
Case’s Nickelforce Breaks Through
There was also joy for trainer Ben Case, whose six-year-old Nickelforce ended a frustrating run of near misses with a decisive success in the Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At Handicap Chase.
After finishing runner-up twice, Nickelforce jumped confidently and found extra when it mattered, drawing away from Tapley and Bourbali to score by more than three lengths.
“He’s been knocking on the door,” Case said. “He’s honest, just unlucky to bump into well-handicapped rivals before. This one’s for Denise Massey, one of his owners who’s unwell — it means a lot. He’ll have a good winter break now, but a race like the Summer Plate at Market Rasen next year would suit him.”
Olive Nicholls Leads Family Double with Fasol
The family theme continued as Fasol, trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by his daughter Olive, kicked off proceedings by landing the Download Novices’ Hurdle.
The six-year-old justified his 4-6 favouritism, beating stablemate Miss Altea Blue to give Nicholls a one-two finish and Olive her 20th career win, reducing her claim from seven to five pounds.
“It was a last-minute call to run him,” Nicholls explained. “He’s tricky to win with, but Olive gave him a great ride. It’s nice to see her progressing — she gets on well with these types.”
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