Nicholls in Pursuit of Walsh to Partner Turko

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Paul Nicholls has achieved much this season, but admits his latest challenge may prove beyond him. He wants Ruby Walsh, whom he shares as first jockey with Willie Mullins, to jump saddle and swap his Grand National ride on 2005 winner Hedgehunter for the Aintree debutant Turko.

It seems that Nicholls now regards Turko, who most recently carried Andy Stewart's colours into third place in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham and earlier filled the same spot in another Grade One contest, the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown, as his number one hope for Saturday's 800,000 showpiece, ahead of the horse who headed the market earlier in the season, Mr Pointment.

"I've been trying …