Ditcheat

Earlier this week, as the rain lashed Paul Nicholls' stable at Ditcheat in Somerset, he spent several minutes at risk of a sudden hoof to the chest, brushing out the famous tail while its owner tossed his head in annoyance, baring and snapping his teeth.

Paul Nicholls has Kauto Star ready for historic King George Chase bid 2011

Doped up with penicillin because of a chest infection, the 69-year-old was under orders to stay indoors at the beginning of last week but still drove down to the stable in Ditcheat, Somerset, where both are trained to see how they were and to hand out Christmas presents.

Clive Smith: 'Kauto Star is fantastic. He has a new life about him' 2011

It looks likely that Old, who preceded Paul Nicholls at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, will be moving to a new yard in the near future.

Tattenham Corner 2011

One newspaper hack, by no means a regular attendee at these events, was spotted in the Manor Inn at Ditcheat using his laptop to view some action on video – but it didn't seem to be racing he was watching on his own in the corner of the pub.

Tattenham Corner 2011

The sight of Walsh flying fences at Ditcheat will give the champion trainer a sense that everything is coming together ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, which opens in 14 days' time.

Ruby Walsh back on Kauto Star for first time since jockey broke a leg 2011

Ditcheat and Evercreech, respectively two and five miles to the north, are beautiful and interesting places.

Wanderings in Wessex An Exploration of the Southern Realm from Itchen to Otter Edric Holmes

We are all devastated here at Ditcheat but Denman has given us some wonderful moments on the track, winning a Gold Cup, finishing runner-up in three more, as well as winning two Hennessys, a Lexus and a SunAlliance Chase.

Evening Standard - Home 2011

Kauto Star and Denman and become the leading staying chaser in the champion trainer's Ditcheat yard.

Evening Standard - Home 2011

Ruby Walsh will be back on the Ditcheat gallops on Monday, for the first time since breaking his leg in November, and Paul Nicholls will be rolling out the red carpet for his No 1 jockey above.

The Independent - Frontpage RSS Feed 2011

A scan yesterday afternoon revealed tiny damage to his near fore tendon, so this morning marks the end of an era for Ditcheat, Nicholls told his Betfair column.

Evening Standard - Home 2011