Nick Luck Daily Ep 1658 – Sam looking to light up Pipe-smoking Nicholls

For the final show from Bahrain, Nick is joined by the Daily Mail’s Steve Ryder on the day of the first Group 1 Bahrain International Trophy. They bring the latest on Sallaal’s withdrawal and Oisin Murphy’s switch to Seagulls Eleven, then look ahead to the big three days at Cheltenham, from Jonbon in the Shloer Chase to the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Sam Twiston-Davies, heading to the gallops as he speaks, explains why Quebecois could help Paul Nicholls equal Martin Pipe’s all-time record. Harry Fry is hoping for rain for Idaho Sun in Sunday’s Greatwood Hurdle and weighs up Gidleigh Park’s chance against Jonbon. Ludlow’s Simon Sherwood explains how the summer drought has cost the course every fixture of the 2026–27 season, and Sophie Buckley tells Nick how Culworth Grounds landed Group 1 winner Hawk Mountain from Coolmore.