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Nickle Back earns James Best and Sarah Humphrey first Grade One wins
Nickle Back dashed to an important Grade One triumph in the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown following a strong front-running ride from James Best. It was a dream first win at Grade One level for the rider and West Wratting trainer Sarah Humphrey, albeit the race was marred by a fatal fall for Hermes Allen at the second-last. Best and 10-1 shot Nickle Back earned out a solid lead in the early stages, with 8-13 favourite Hermes Allen heading the pursuing pack. A few extravagant jumps permitted Nickle Back to stretch out his lead to 20 lengths with three to hop and he was again perfect at the Lake Wall. After Nickle Back leapt clear from two out, Djelo pulled back some of his lead up the home stretch however Best's mount was not caught, winning by seven lengths, "I just cannot believe it," Best told ITV Racing. "As a small child growing up, you watch these races on the television on a Saturday and you dream of becoming a jockey and winning races like this. "A massive thank you to Sarah and all the team, I'm just gobsmacked, as I was when winning on him in his first chase at Warwick.