Don't take any chances, Nicholls warns recuperating Walsh

Paul Nicholls is determined that Ruby Walsh will take no chances in his race to be fit to ride Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Walsh has suffered no adverse reaction to riding out for the first time since he dislocated his shoulder at Cheltenham on November 17 when Willyanwoody fell fatally.

He hopes to test the shoulder in action for the first time at Thurles on Sunday.

However, Nicholls may prevent Walsh from riding in the earlier Feltham Novices' Chase on the Boxing Day card where the trainer plans to run Silverburn, to avoid unnecessary risks

Nicholls said: 'I told Ruby that Boxing Day at Kempton is a big day and if there's any doubt (about his fitness), he must tell me. It would worry me a little if he missed Thurles.

'I might suggest he gives the Feltham a miss and just rides in the novice and Christmas hurdles before the King George.'

Sam Thomas, who has successfully deputised for Walsh in three big races in the past month, would step in for the ride on Silverburn.

His King George mount, the Nicholls-trained Taranis, was heavily backed for the race yesterday with Coral cutting his odds from 12-1 to 15-2. Kauto Star remains their 8-11 favourite.

Meanwhile, Wayne Hutchinson will find out today if his hopes of a return from injury next month are realistic.

Hutchinson has been out since injuring his left knee in a fall at Exeter on November 23 which necessitated the removal of the cruciate ligament behind his left knee.

Hutchinson said: 'The physio has been building up the muscle to compensate for the removal of the cruciate ligament.'