CHAMPION trainer Paul Nicholls enjoyed a hugely successful afternoon at taunton races on Monday afternoon, notching up four winners to push his total of winners for the season past the 100 mark.

Nicholls and Harry Cobden his stable jockey won the first four races as Iliko D’Olivate at 6-4, Cap Du Mathan at 6-4, Rare Middleton at 2-5 and Afadil 8-15 all swept to victory.

“He’s a very smart horse and there’s loads more to come from him,” Nicholls told Racing TV.

“He only started schooling six weeks ago and I don’t like running them that soon, but he’d been outside on the grass luckily enough twice and he’s going to learn so much from jumping.

“I was concerned first time on this ground about whether he’d get the trip and everything else, but he’s a nice horse and I’m sure we’ll hear a lot more from him.”

Nicholls did not have to wait long for winner 101, with Afadil comfortably justifying odds of 8-15 in division two.

“I’m very happy with everything – the way the horses are looking, the way they’re running and the way Harry is riding. Everybody is working hard at home, it’s fantastic,” Nicholls added.

Cobden said: “I think they were all very well placed and it’s nice when you’ve got some good, young stock coming through."

There is more racing action to look forward to on Saturday 21st January when the Orchard Portman Course hosts the Portman Cup Meeting card which includes two Class 2 events has a huge fund of £122,599 up for grabs, which is abound to attract a lot of interest from owners and trainers alike.

The first of the seven races goes to post at 12.47pm.

The feature race on Taunton’s only Saturday meeting of the the year is the Stables Business Park Ltd Portman Cup Steeple Chase over three miles four furlongs and 85 yards, which has £55k up for grabs.

Punters are reminded that very generous discounts are available when tickets are purchased on line before 12 noon on the day prior to racing.

To book tickets or for any further information log onto www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk