Hursley Hambledon, Larkhill, Wilts
YOUNG star Olive Nicholls scored an impressive double, as well as her first win as a trainer. Olive, 17, kicked off her day with a neat victory in the ladies' open, riding her father Paul Nicholls and John Bolton's Viroflay, a horse she now trains herself, having previously been in the care of her mother Georgina Nicholls.
The Air Chief Marshal six-year-old, who has made an impressive return to the track after recovering from a leg injury, exceeded expectations.
"I wasn't sure he'd be quite fit enough," said Olive. "He doesn't do a great deal at home and it's hard to have them bang on the money the first time out. He's not straightforward, and I thought he'd take a while to settle into his racing. Today was about seeing where we were at, but he now marks my first runner and winner as a trainer."
Olive's second victory arrived in the conditions (level two) 9yo&up when Sam Loxton sent her out on her father's 13-year-old Shantou Flyer.
This story is from the November 30, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
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This story is from the November 30, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
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