JOCKEY Megan Nicholls was on cloud nine after riding her biggest career win to date at Aintree.
She partnered Knappers Hill to a Grade 2 success for dad and trainer Paul Nicholls in the closing contest.
It was a topsy-turvy week for the Nicholls stable, but it ended on a high with another big-race victory.
Megan, traditionally seen on the Flat, smiled afterwards: “That was amazing – I’m on cloud nine. I can’t believe what has just happened.
“I spoke to Rachael Blackmore before I came out and she says she was shaking like a leaf and I feel like that now.
“It’s awesome. I’m delighted. Who would have thought I’d have been riding at this meeting?
“I had a great time pointing then turned to the Flat. I’m just so happy. Dad and the team have really helped and looked after me and when he mentioned about riding some of the bumper horses I was snapping his arm off.
“You can’t help but be excited riding young gorgeous horses like that.
“I know I’m babbling on but I’m quite speechless at the same time. It’s awesome. Any bigger meeting whether it is over the flat or jumps is huge. To be riding on Grand National day is like anyone’s dream.
“To have a winning chance, let alone be able to ride the winner is just amazing. It’s my first ride in a graded race.”
Trainer and dad Paul had earlier in the week extended his lead at the top of the trainers’ championship thanks to Grade 1 wins by Clan Des Obeaux and Monmiral.
But he also had to see his stable jockeys Harry Cobden and Bryony Frost rushed to hospitals after falls on Saturday.
Both reportedly avoided serious injury and thankfully the week ended on a high as Knappers Hill landed the Grade 2 bumper.
The trainer said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. For Meg to ride a winner for me here is absolutely brilliant.
“She rode Knappers Hill to win the Listed bumper at Ascot, but winning this Grade Two on a day like today would be her biggest win so far without a shadow of doubt.
“She’s doing really well as she’s riding winners on the Flat and in bumpers. I’m chuffed to bits for her.”
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