Nicholl's Henri The Second can be first past the post

PAUL Nicholls has always thought the world of Henri The Second and he can improve the trainer’s remarkable strike-rate at Hexham in the Weatherbys ‘Chasing Excellence’ Beginners’ Chase.

- By NICK ROBSON

The former champion has only ever sent five runners on the almost-700 mile round trip to the picturesque northeast venue from his Ditcheat base, but four of them have won.

Henri The Second was talked of in glowing terms by Harry Cobden when he ploughed through heavy ground last December and he was sent off favourite for a big handicap at the same track in February when beaten into second.

Unplaced in the Pertemps Final when last seen, he will be more robust now then when tackling fences for the first time in November 2023 when last of four, looking far from a natural.

The going will be as he likes it and while this is far from a penalty kick, he should oblige.