Nicholls concerned by health of some horses

CHAMPION trainer Paul Nicholls, who has saddled just one winner this month, has reported several horses in his yard to have coughed.

With three weeks and a day until the start of the Cheltenham Festival, Nicholls, whose 16 runners on Saturday all lost, has decided to close ranks at his stable by cancelling a media event at Ditcheat due to be held on Wednesday.

Speaking on Monday morning, he said: "It is fairly obvious that we had a moderate weekend. 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 nowas we prepare for the last three weeks before the 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."

Betfair Hurdle winner Zarkandar is Nicholls' sole winner in February so far and William Hill rate the champion trainer 9-4 joint-second favourite with Nicky Henderson to be top trainer at Cheltenham behind 5-4 favourite Willie Mullins.

Nicholls, who has entered three runners for Tuesday's meeting at Taunton, is expected to release a full statement later in the day.