PAUL Nicholls believes he and other British trainers are “in a better place than we’ve been for the last few years” as they bid to challenge Ireland’s dominance at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Ditcheat-based handler, who has 50 Festival winners to his name, including four Gold Cups and six Champion Chases, is pleased with his squad for next month’s event, spearheaded by Grade 1-winning novice hurdler No Drama This End.