Watch Racing...Only Bettor Special: Paul Nicholls talks to Kevin Blake

• Did the Gold Cup leave its mark on contenders?

• Horses put everything into big races says Paul Nicholls

• Bravemansgame will be fine for King George

In a fascinating interview with Kevin Blake the 14 times Champion Trainer and Betfair ambassador Paul Nicholls tackles the big issues currently facing National Hunt Racing.

He talks training methods, staying chasers, facilities, Irish Point-to-Points runners, French bred horses, the pattern and much more.

Bravemansgame will be fine for Kempton

Here's an abridged for clarity version of what Paul had to say when Kevin asked if he thought this year's Gold Cup has left its mark on its contenders including winner Galopin Des Champs and runner-up Ditcheat's Bravemansgame.

Paul said: "If Bravemansgame had run two ordinary races I could have said that was the case. But he and Galopin Des Champs both went to Punchestown after the Gold Cup and ran a really good race.

"This season Bravemansgame has not run badly. He ran well on ground that does not suit him (at Wetherby) and ran well in the Betfair Chase but was outstayed by a Haydock specialist.

"I have a month to freshen him up for the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. I think he will be fine."

Does Paul believe one big race can represent a peak that a horse never returns to?

"That has happened to a number of horses because they put so much into these big races. I'm not sure Denman was the same after his first Gold Cup. He put some much into it. He put everything into that race.

"Denman came back after his first Gold Cup but I am not sure he had the same sparkle."

Watch Racing...Only Bettor special with Paul Nicholls

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