Nicholls planning unique Britain and Ireland double

Paul Nicholls has set his sights this season on becoming the first jumps trainer to be champion in Britain and Ireland at the same time.

Nicholls, who had four winners from just seven runners across the Irish sea last term and finished eighth in the title race, told the Racing Post: "The idea first entered my mind in the summer, when I saw Aidan O'Brien coming over to Britain and winning everything.

"I thought if Aidan can do it on the Flat, I'd like to try to do the same in reverse over jumps, especially as no-one has captured both titles before.

Nicholls, who is a 6-1 chance with Blue Square to be champion trainer in Ireland, added: "It makes sense for me to send more horses over to Ireland this season, as it will help me to keep some of mine apart."