PIC SO SLICK

Nicholls joy as D'Orhy doubles up

- DAVID YATES

PIC D'ORHY ended Paul Nicholls' year-long drought at the highest level with a repeat victory in the Grade One Ascot Chase.

Twelve months ago, Harry Cobden made all the running on the Johnny and Sam de la Heyowned gelding to deliver Nicholls the 147th top-tier triumph of a career that has seen the 62-yearold capture 14 trainers' titles.

Nicholls had to wait 363 days for the 148th, but was his usual candid self when discussing the challenges of the past 12 months.