Latest from Horse & Hound in Paul-nicholls

Sad farewell to ‘great man’ who owned Olympic horses and a Grand National winner

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:27:36 +0000

John Hales, who had a long-standing association with both showjumping and racing, has died at the age of 85.

John was British Showjumping president between 2005 and 2008, and was also one of the sport’s most successful owners. Notable horses that belonged to John included Nick Skelton’s superstar Arko III, who won in excess of £1m during his illustrious career. John also owned Russel II, who with Nick represented Great Britain at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and a number of other showjumpers throughout his life, who he enjoyed alongside his wife Pat and daughter Lisa.

“John was a great character, you couldn’t ask for a better owner,” Nick Skelton told H&H. “He loved to win and when he won, he celebrated, but if he lost he was magnanimous in defeat. Whether it was showjumping or racing, horses were John’s life.”

John’s instantly recognisable racing silks of yellow with a red star were also carried to victory by many horses, most famously by the indomitable One Man, who the Hennessy Gold Cup, two King Georges and the 1998 Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Neptune Collonges also won the Grand National under Daryl Jacob for John and trainer Paul Nicholls, winning by a nose in 2012.

Paul Nicholls confirmed his death this morning (31 January).

“It is with great sadness to report that John Hales passed away last evening” he said. “A great man and a fantastic owner and friend for many people. Thoughts with his wife Pat and his wonderful family. He will be missed by so many in racing. RIP John.”

Other horses that John enjoyed success with include Azertyuiop, who won the Champion Chase in 2004. He had further Cheltenham Festival victories with Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh, with Noland and Al Ferof in the Supreme, and Politologue secured him a third Champion Chase when ridden by Harry Skelton in 2020.

More recently, John joined Sir Alex Ferguson, Peter Done and Ged Mason in the ownership of Protektorat, who won the Ryanair Chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. John was at Windsor racecourse to enjoy his last winner 12 days ago, when Harry Skelton rode Protektorat, for brother Dan Skelton, to a 22-length win over Venetia Williams’ Djelo in the Fleur De Lys Chase.

John co-founded the Golden Bear Toys company in 1979, which went on to produce products from major children’s shows such as Teletubbies, Basil Brush, Thomas The Tank Engine and In The Night Garden.

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Which horse has won more King George VI Chases than any other, plus other key facts about this historic Boxing Day race

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:30:43 +0000

On Boxing Day (26 December), we will be treated to the sight of some of the greatest National Hunt horses currently in training in the UK going head-to-head in the King George VI Chase, a horse race that has become synonymous with Boxing Day.

Here are 13 things you need to know about this great race…

1. The King George VI Chase first ran in 1937 and was named after the newly crowned king.

2. The first race was won by Southern Hero who, to-date, remains the oldest winner of the race at 12 years old.

3. It is held during the Christmas Festival at Kempton Park Racecourse in Surrey.

4. The race is over a distance of three miles and consists of 18 chase fences.

5. It was only run twice before World War II, during which Kempton Park was closed for racing and used as a prisoner-of-war camp.

6. The most successful horse to run in the King George VI is Kauto Star (pictured top alongside Long Run), who won it a remarkable five times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011).

7. The leading jockey of the King George VI Chase is Ruby Walsh, who won it five times — all aboard Kauto Star.

8. The leading trainer over the race’s history is Paul Nicholls — See More Business (1997, 1999), Kauto Star (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011), Silviniaco Conti (2013, 2014), Clan Des Obeaux (2018, 2019) and Bravemansgame (2022).

9. The great grey, Desert Orchid won the race four times before bowing out in the 1991 race. He attended Kempton Park to parade every Boxing Day until his death in 2006, aged 27.

10. It is a Grade One race and this year offers £148,098 in prize money to the winner.

11. The race will be shown live on ITV and RacingTV at 2.30pm.

12. The current betting market for the 2024 running of the race has Spillane’s Tower, who is trained by Irish trainer James Joseph Mangan, as the favourite, in what is a top class line-up for this season’s renewal.

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Who are the runners in the 2024 race?

Let’s take a look at this year‘s runners and riders, plus their odds, so that if you fancy it, you can have a flutter.

These runners and riders, plus the odds, are correct as of 23 December. Odds may vary depending on your bookmaker.

Horse: Spillane’s Tower | Jockey: Mark Walsh

Trainer: James Joseph Mangan | Odds: 7/2

Horse: Grey Dawning | Jockey: Harry Skelton

Trainer: Dan Skelton | Odds: 5/1

Horse: Il Est Francais | Jockey: James Reveley

Trainer: Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm | Odds: 5/1

Horse: Banbridge | Jockey: TBC

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Odds: 6/1

Horse: Corbetts Cross | Jockey: Mr Derek O’Connor

Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Odds: 12/1

Horse: L’Homme Presse | Jockey: Charlie Deutsch

Trainer: Venetia Williams | Odds: 12/1

Horse: Envoi Allen | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

Trainer: Henry De Bromhead | Odds: 16/1

Horse: Bravemansgame | Jockey: Harry Cobden

Trainer: Paul Nicholls | Odds: 20/1

Horse: Juntos Gananmos | Jockey: Felix De Giles

Trainer: D Cottin | Odds: 22/1

Horse: The Real Whacker | Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

Trainer: Patrick Neville | Odds: 33/1

Horse: General En Chef | Jockey: Benjamin Gelhay

Trainer: Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm | Odds: 100/1

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‘The grit and the glory’: new series to show racing as never before

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:15:32 +0000

Champions: Full Gallop, a new six-part documentary series showing jockeys “as you have never seen them before”, comes to TV screens tomorrow (19 July) at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Going behind the scenes with jockeys, trainers, owners and horses as they compete in the 2023-24 jumps season, the series features contributions from key players including trainers Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson, Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton and jockeys such as Harry Cobden, Sean Bowen, Harry Skelton and Bryony Frost at key meetings including the Cheltenham and Grand National festivals.

The series takes in all the elements that make racing such a compelling sport, from charismatic owners to the trainers and stable staff who invest so much in the welfare of their horses.

Produced by South Shore, supported by Flutter and Racecourse Media Group (RMG), the series has been given access to all areas from weighing rooms to stable yards as viewers are invited to follow the thrills, emotion and drama both on and off the racetrack.

The first episode will chart the build-up to and outcome of the King George VI at Kempton on Boxing Day as the programme attempts to follow the success of other sports documentaries, such as F1’s Drive To Survive and tennis’ Break Point.

At the Champions: Full Gallop premier from left to right: Harry Skelton, Bryony Frost, Nico de Boinville, England footballing legend Peter Crouch, Harry Cobden, Gavin Sheehan and Sean Bowen. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

RMG chief executive Martin Stevenson this week described the launch of the docuseries as a “huge opportunity” for racing.

He said: “The question is how can we build on this. I hope everybody will love it and we can talk about the next series. The way these things work best is to build them over a number of series and to really draw people into the stories so it becomes one of the ways they enjoy the sport.

“We want people at home to be able to engage with racing and to see it in a different way, to get a glimpse behind the scenes and experience the grit and the glory.

“We hope to ultimately widen the sport’s fanbase. Racing is clearly facing some challenges, but it still has a huge audience and if we can get a decent fraction of the people who enjoy jump racing engaged then we’ve succeeded.”

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‘It has been an honour’: new world record price set at horse auction

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:47:29 +0000

History was made at Tattersalls Ireland yesterday (5 February) when Caldwell Potter achieved a world record selling price of €740,000 (£632,000); the most ever paid for a National Hunt horse at public auction.

The Grade One winner and leading Cheltenham Festival contender was part of the Tattersalls Ireland Andy and Gemma Brown Dispersal Sale. Andy and Gemma recently decided to sell their entire string of horses, who had all been in training with Gordon Elliott, as they want to leave the sport.

The high-profile and unprecedented sale offered 29 lots, all without reserves. The session turnover of €5,290,000 was a record-breaking aggregate for a one-day boutique National Hunt Sale. The average price for the session was €182,414 with four horses selling for over €500,000 and 10 for €200,000 or more.

Although Gordon Elliott was the determined underbidder of Caldwell Potter in an effort to ensure the horse returned to his Cullentra House Stables, Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock ultimately secured the impressive six-year-old on behalf of John Hales, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Done, and the horse will go into training with Paul Nicholls.

“He is standout, a lovely horse – I loved him as a youngster as a store [unbroken three-year-old],” said Anthony. “I have watched his career closely – he has only been running over two miles yet he looks a stayer. He may potentially be a Gold Cup horse, long-term.

“I can’t say what plans Paul will have for the horse and we will see how it all works out, obviously there are the Cheltenham entries and Aintree would be a consideration, but he has been bought really as a chaser of the future.”

Gordon Elliott managed to secure Pied Piper for Windgates Stud on behalf of a new syndicate for €570,000, Staffordshire Knot for €510,000, Sa Fureur for €330,000 and Doctor Elvis for €260,000.

Gordon said: “I was disappointed to lose the big horse, but that is the way it is – hopefully he will be lucky for the new owners. Pied Piper is coming back and we have got all the ones we wanted apart from Caldwell Potter.”

Simon Kerins, CEO of Tattersalls Ireland, said: “First and foremost, I extend my sincere gratitude to Andy and Gemma Brown, as well as Joey Logan, for entrusting us with their dispersal sale, it has been an honour.

“I would like to express my appreciation to Gordon Elliott and his team – every single horse in this draft has been produced looking in superb order and, finally, the Tattersalls Ireland team for turning this sale around at such speed. It is testament to the team’s professionalism and hard work, proof of the flexibility that we have and ability to act as the industry requires.

“The sale has been a phenomenal success and the figures paid have been mind-blowing. We knew these horses would be in high demand given their proven level of form, and all the big players were here today.

“We look forward to watching today’s sales horses going on to achieve great things on the racecourse, and we hope to see the Browns return to the racing scene in the near future.”

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‘A once in 10 years event’: top trainer forced to evacuate horses as river bursts its banks

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:33:11 +0000

Multiple champion jumps trainer Paul Nicholls was forced to evacuate some horses from his yard after it flooded last night (4 January).

Heavy rain fell at his base in Ditcheat, Somerset, meaning six horses in his Highbridge yard had to be moved to safety at 9.30pm.

“It’s a once in a 10- or 12-year event – I’d never seen rain like it or so much water on the roads as I did last night,” said Paul. “We are near to the River Alham and when everything backs up, and the river bursts its banks, that yard ends up flooding.

“Thankfully all the water has cleared now and everything is good this morning. The horses are back in their original stables, all the horses are fine, as are the gallops, and it is just a temporary blip.”

The heavy rain caused a few issues last night in Ditcheat. 9.30 pm we had to evacuate 6 horses from our Highbridge yard. Thankfully all the horses are good this morning, the gallops handled the rain well and we were able to exercise all the horses as usual. @PFNicholls pic.twitter.com/TYZBKtLk8KThe heavy rain caused a few issues last night in Ditcheat. 9.30 pm we had to evacuate 6 horses from our Highbridge yard. Thankfully all the horses are good this morning, the gallops handled the rain well and we were able to exercise all the horses as usual. @PFNicholls pic.twitter.com/TYZBKtLk8K— Charlie Davies (@charliedavies31) January 5, 2024— Charlie Davies (@charliedavies31) January 5, 2024

Paul’s assistant trainer Charlie Davies said: “The heavy rain caused a few issues last night in Ditcheat. At 9.30 pm we had to evacuate six horses from our Highbridge yard. Thankfully all the horses are good this morning, the gallops handled the rain well and we were able to exercise all the horses as usual.”

So far this season, Nicholls has trained 69 winners from the 290 runners he has sent out. He is operating at a 24% strike rate and has won £1,546,204.

‘Beyond anything you’d ever dream of’: the top young trainer you need on your radar for 2024 and beyond, who has enjoyed a sensational run of form

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:30:54 +0000

To say Harry Derham has had a new year to remember would be an understatement. Over the past two weeks, the young National Hunt trainer has sent out eight winners from 18 runners – which means he is currently operating at a whopping 44% strike rate.

“I can’t really believe it,” says Harry, 29. “I was banging my head against a brick wall on Christmas Day, as our last three runners before Christmas all finished second and all beaten under half a length. They weren’t running badly, but it was frustrating.

“Since Boxing Day, things have taken off, which has been extraordinary. The horses have run fantastically well. I won my biggest race in terms of prize money on New Year’s Day with Fidelio Vallis [who won the Auld Reekie Handicap Chase at Musselburgh under Alice Stevens]. He is owned by John Gregory, who has been one of my biggest supporters since the start of my career, so that was very special. Queen’s Gamble also won my first Listed race on Saturday [30 December, at Taunton under Jonathan Burke] – it’s one of those parts of the season that you don’t want to end. Then to have a treble on New Year’s Day was beyond anything you’d ever dream of – it was mega and we’ve had a very special couple of weeks.”

Horses are in Harry’s blood. His grandfather taught him to ride and he was an active member of the Berkeley branch of the Pony Club.

“I did some pony racing too and from there, I graduated to race riding for three years,” explains Harry, whose uncle is multiple champion jumps trainer, Paul Nicholls. “I worked at Paul’s for 11 years, with six of those as his assistant trainer – it was such an informative time.”

Harry says it was the golden era of Kauto Star and Ruby Walsh, who was Nicholls’ retained jockey at the time, that set him on the path to a career in racing.

“When Kauto won his first Gold Cup, I was 13, so having a front seat to that is what got me into racing,” says Harry. “Paul is obviously amazing, but during those years, he had the most incredible horses, like Denman and Master Minded too, and Dan Skelton was his assistant. Paul is a massive hero and those were magic years for me.”

Harry was a successful jockey before hanging up his boots to focus on training. He won the Martin Pipe at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival on Salubrious, but retired at the age of 19, a year later.

“My most enjoyable victory in the saddle was winning the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham on a horse called Brampour in November 2011. I was 17, not long out of school and still an amateur. It was extraordinary – I don’t think I’ve ever been so fast in my life,” he laughs. “I can still remember all of that race and I’ll never forget crossing the finish line and pulling up – it was an amazing day. I thought ‘this is fairly straightforward’ though too, and 100% did not take it all in and massively took it for granted.”

Harry explains it was a fall that closed his chapter on life as a jockey.

“I had a fall with a horse called Fox Run at Chepstow where he sadly lost his life. I just never got back to riding as well as I was before that after the fall. My theory was if I was getting worse at my job at that age, I needed to find a new job.

“The hardest thing to do when you’re riding down to a fence is nothing and when you’re confident and things are going well, you gallop down to a fence without thinking anything of it. But the moment you start thinking about it too much, you start missing strides and horses jump badly, then you’re stuffed, basically.”

A new era

When it comes to pinpointing his best day working under the tutelage of Nicholls, Harry says it’s “difficult to name just one”.

“I had some absolutely unbelievable days. The one that really sticks out for me, and I’ll never forget, is when Frodon won the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival in 2019 – the reception he and Bryony [Frost] got that day was absolutely extraordinary. He is such a magnificently special horse. I walked up to meet them at the top of the hill and then followed them back down, just watching the reception they got. That was when I realised how rare it was to have those special moments. He’d had a right old tear up in front of 60,000 people and given absolutely everything and all of those people really appreciated what a special horse they’d just seen – that’s what’s special about jumps racing.”

“Then there’s the King George wins, especially Clan Des Obeaux, and there was a day when Paul trained eight winners in a day – five at Ascot, two at Wincanton and one at Haydock. That was amazing.”

For sure, Harry did not walk around with his eyes closed during his time at Nicholls’, and he is certainly employing what he learnt there, now that he has gone out on his own.

“The biggest thing I’ve taken away from my time at Paul’s is his consistency – every day with him there is an aspiration to do better than the previous day,” says Harry. “He always used to say to me, ‘whether you get a horse in the yard that cost £500,000 or £5,000, they get exactly the same care’. That’s really important and the same applies to my yard. My job is to get the best out of each horse, no matter their level of ability. If I can get a horse to perform above himself, even once, it’s so satisfying.”

Harry says taking the plunge to go out on his own as a trainer was “daunting”.

“But you have to have an element of confidence, otherwise you’d never do it,” he explains. “I’m very lucky as I have a very supportive group of people around me. My sister Amy is my business partner and she’s been a massive part of what I’m doing. I’m sure the same applies across the range of equestrian sports – whoever you are, you can’t do it alone. So I thought, ‘well, I’ve got a really good team around me’, including Graham, my head lad, who is a superb horseman and very knowledgeable. If you have those good people around you that can help you and believe in what you’re doing, you can do the job.”

Harry also has the expertise of former successful National Hunt trainer Oliver Sherwood, who is now working as assistant to Harry.

“If anyone was going to criticise me, it would be because I am a young trainer, and there’s nothing I can say to change that, because that’s exactly what I am,” Harry says matter-of-factly. “But I can say ‘Graham and Oliver have seen everything between them’, so that gives me confidence, because I can fall back on their knowledge. I’ve got fantastic, knowledgeable staff too, who are really invested in what I’m trying to do and it’s a team effort. If you’ve got really good people around you, you’ve got a chance.”

Harry has set up shop between Hungerford and Newbury in Berkshire.

“I had the opportunity to train from this base, which is owned by the extremely supportive Caroline Sutton and her partner Woody. I came to the conclusion that I’d only get one chance in my life to be at a place like this, so I took the plunge,” says Harry, who describes the plot as a “falling down farm” when the project first got under way.

“I now have 52 stables and I hope one day to expand. We have a six-furlong uphill gallop, a warm-up area and an arena too, but the key thing is that it’s an amazing place for the horses – they seem very happy and relaxed, which is obviously so important.

“I think the environment, the surroundings is why the horses are so settled. There’s no main road too close so they don’t have to go out onto the road to do any work. It’s peaceful with nothing to bother them – none of them are weaving or stressed or box-walking.”

First runner – first winner

Harry didn’t have to wait very long for his first winner as a trainer. In fact, no time at all. The first horse he saddled came home a winner in the form of Seelotmorebusiness at Huntingdon on Boxing Day in 2022. It was an even greater training performance given the gelding, owned by Harry’s mother Julie, had been off the track for 442 days.

“I still can’t find the words to describe that day. You wouldn’t even be brave enough to dream of it. I would love to go back and relive that day – I’ve genuinely watched the race back hundreds of times. It was the best day of my life,” says Harry. “Any time you’re lucky enough to have a win, it’s fantastic, but that day at Huntington will be at the top of the tree for a long time.”

In terms of goals, Harry would like to expand his string.

“If we continue to have a good season, then that feels like a realistic target into next season,” he says, but he states it must be at the correct pace. “I want to do it at a rate that my team and I can manage. I don’t want to ever feel like it’s getting out of control, because I want to feel like I’m doing a really good job with the horses that I’ve got. Currently, I know the horses I have very well, and I don’t want to ever get to a stage where I’ve grown too quickly.”

In terms of other goals for Harry Derham Racing, it’s simple.

“I want to look back at the end of the season and be able to say that I got the best out of each horse I have in my care. I hope that we have a really good spring – I know I’ve got some really nice horses that are capable of winning, but I just need to get them in the right races and try and get the best out of them.”

Harry Derham’s ones to watch

Givemefive (2020 gelding by Holy Roman Emperor, owned by Smash Racing): “He recently won at Market Rasen and will run again at the end of January. He’s a really lovely horse.”

Queens Gamble (2018 mare by Getaway, owned by A Frost and E Galvin): “She is a lovely mare with so much promise.”

Spirou (2020 gelding by Cracksman): “He’s a new beautiful French horse, who will race in late January or early February. I think he could be a lovely horse.”

Court In The Act (2019 gelding by Court Cave, owned by Heart Of The South Racing 132): “He came second for me on debut over hurdles, plus he has already won me a bumper and also won over hurdles on Boxing Day at Kempton – he’s a lovely horse.”

Joker De Mai (2019 gelding by Balko, owned by David Maxwell): “He recently won over hurdles at Lingfield.”

Young Butler (2016 gelding by Yeats, owned by the Beyond Redemption Syndicate): “He’s really lovely and won on his first time out for me at Newbury in November.”

Brentford Hope (2017 gelding by Camelot, owned by The Optimists Syndicate): “He has already won three for me since I’ve had him and he’s been a star.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘She calls him Pegasus’: fan favourite bows out for a retirement of fun on Dartmoor

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:44:58 +0000

National Hunt legend and fan favourite Frodon has been retired after a glittering career in racing.

The 12-year-old bowed out after the 2023 King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, in a fashion that “ends his racing story the perfect way”.

Frodon won 19 of his 52 career starts, including the 2020 King George and the 2019 Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, clocking nearly £1.2m in prize money for trainer Paul Nicholls and owner Paul Vogt.

He won 11 races under Bryony Frost, who will take care of Frodon in his retirement.

Paul Nicholls said: “Frodon has been a legend for Team Ditcheat since he joined us from France as a three-year-old in late 2015.

“It was the right thing to do after his final run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. He led for a while and ran his usual solid race, but doesn’t quite have the legs these days and was last of the five to finish.”

Bryony paid tribute to her time on the racecourse with Frodon.

“I’ve a whole tonne of emotions that have flooded in with Frodon’s retirement,” she said. “A formidable partner to be beside. He wore his heart on his sleeve, with no doubt ever we couldn’t do it. A true professional at his game.

“He became everyone’s horse because of the way he is and given so many memories that stand at the forefront of our fondest ones.

“He left the track on his terms and that ends his racing story the perfect way.

Bryony added that Frodon will join former National Hunt hero Black Corton at her Dartmoor base.

“His days now will be filled with joining Black Corton, carefree, galloping across the moor, beach rides, all you can eat haynet and whatever he finds fun!”

Paul Nicholls added: “He forged a brilliant partnership with Bryony, who likes to call him ‘Pegasus’.

“He will be missed by everyone involved with Team Ditcheat, in particular Michelle Kramer, who has looked after him for many years. The great thing is that he is finishing in one piece and will have a lovely time in retirement.”

‘It’s amazing’: daughter of champion trainer successfully embarks on her own training career

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 08:32:30 +0000

Young star Olive Nicholls scored an impressive double, as well as her first win as a trainer, at Hursely Hambledon point-to-point at Larkhill in Wiltshire last weekend (26 November).

Olive, 17, kicked off her day with a neat victory in the ladies’ open, riding her champion trainer father Paul Nicholls’, and John Bolton’s Viroflay, a horse she now trains herself, having previously been in the care of her mother Georgina Nicholls.

“My long-term aim is to train horses under Rules, so to get my first winner as a trainer is amazing,” says Olive, who was the 2022 novice ladies’ jockey point-to-point champion.

The move to training has come about after Georgina, who previously trained Olive’s pointers, took out her licence to train under Rules in the summer.

“So the timing made sense and I now look after all of the pre-trainers that come in, plus the pointers,” explains Olive, who is based at her mother’s yard in Oxfordshire.

“I’m very lucky to have great support around me. Mum is still a huge part of making everything work, but it was great to have her leading me up at the weekend!” laughs Olive.

Viroflay, who is a six-year-old by Air Chief Marshal, has made an impressive return to the track after recovering from a leg injury, and he exceeded expectations when winning at the weekend.

“I wasn’t sure he’d be quite fit enough,” says Olive. “He doesn’t do a great deal at home and it’s hard to have them bang on the money first time out. He’s not straightforward, and I thought he’d take a while to settle and chill into his racing. Last weekend was all about seeing where we were at, but he now marks my first runner and first winner as a trainer.

“Viroflay is very special to me and my ultimate dream for him this year would be to take him to the Aintree Foxhunters,” explains Olive Nicholls, who’s second victory arrived in the conditions (level two) nine-year-old and up when Sam Loxton sent her out on her father’s 13-year-old Shantou Flyer.

“We have a really great partnership and I’m very confident in him,” adds Olive. “But again, he’s one I thought would need a run before winning. He’s 13 now and still loves it. From the moment he arrived here today, I knew he wasn’t going to be beaten; he was like a three-year-old.”

‘We’ll be gallivanting around the moors!’: Frodon to retire to Bryony Frost at the end of this season

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:52:15 +0000

Star chaser Frodon is to bow out at the end of this jumps season, to spend his retirement with the jockey who rode him to his most famous successes.

Bryony Frost and the 11-year-old, who have clocked up 11 wins together for Paul Nicholls, made a visit to Wincanton Primary School last week, as part of the RacingToSchool initiative, when Bryony confirmed the news.

“When he is ready to retire, he will be coming home with me which is great and we’ll be gallivanting around the moors somewhere!” she said. “We’ve had some amazing days together.”

Paul Vogt’s Frodon and Bryony made history at the Cheltenham Festival in 2019 when they won the Ryanair Chase – the first time a female jockey had won a Grade One race over fences at the event.

They also won the Grade One King George VI Chase at Kempton Park in 2020 and their most recent success together came in the 2022 Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton, which they will attempt to win for a second time on 11 November.

After winning the King George VI Chase, Bryony said: “We’ve just won the King George! I’ve had the absolute best time going round on Frodon — he’s just smashed everyone’s expectations. What a Christmas present he has given his owners, Mr and Mrs Vogt.

“He’s what you dream of as a little girl — he was absolutely epic and I’m so grateful to Paul for letting me ride Frodon.”

The gelding, who is by Nickname and out of a mare by Country Reel, has won £1,162,151 to date in the 50 races he has run under Rules – 28 with Bryony.

Frodon’s visit to Wincanton Primary School was organised by The Jockey Club, alongside RacingToSchool, an educational charity that aims to inspire young minds through the provision of free, interactive and healthy outdoor educational events for schools, staged at a variety of racing venues. The children watched video of Bryony and Frodon in action, learned about racing with former jockey Rob Bellamy, then met Frodon in the playground.

“It’s been absolutely awesome and the kids and Frodon loved it,” Bryony said after the visit. “They were chanting his name and saying ‘You’re going to win’!

“Frodon is phenomenal. He loves all the attention and just takes it in his stride. He’s brilliant.”

‘We had some fantastic days’: former top racehorse dies in retirement, aged 11

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:36:32 +0000

Grade One-winning National Hunt racehorse Cyrname has died, aged 11, during a routine canter in retirement.

The gelding, who was owned by Samantha de la Hey and trained by Paul Nicholls, won eight of his 23 starts, clocking £360,604 in prize money. His biggest victories came in the Ascot Chase and Christy 1965 Chase, both at Ascot in 2019, and the 2020 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in 2020.

Paul Nicholls paid tribute in a post on Instagram saying: “Very sad to hear that Cyrname passed away this morning whilst doing a routine canter at home with Charlotte Alexander, who has given him a fantastic home for the last few years. We had some fantastic days with him at his peak, especially at his beloved Ascot. Thoughts with Charlotte and [his owner] @teamdelahey. Thanks for the memories.”

Cyrname, who was once the highest-rated chaser in Britain, was retired from racing in the spring of 2022. He then joined Charlotte Alexander, who has retrained many other top racehorses, including Denman, Earthmover and Saphir Du Rheu after the conclusion of their careers on the track.

He appeared with Charlotte in a Retraining of Racehorses demo at Blenheim Horse Trials in 2022 and enjoyed plenty of variety in his retirement, including team chasing.

‘I’m very lucky’: meet young jockey Olive Nicholls, who is following in the footsteps of her famous family

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 08:32:47 +0000

The surname Nicholls is one that has become synonymous with horseracing over the years. And it looks as though that isn’t about to change any time soon.

Olive Nicholls, who recently turned 17, is following in her family’s footsteps and is already making a good impression on the horse world by riding an impressive 14 point-to-point winners from 37 rides to-date. She also secured the novice rider point-to-point championship last season.

Olive is a daughter of multiple champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls, while her older sister Megan Nicholls had a successful career as a jockey before hanging up her boots to present racing on TV, including being part of the ITV Racing team. Olive’s mother, Georgie Nicholls, with whom Olive lives and for whom she currently rides, has been riding and training in Oxfordshire on and off since the late 1990s, originally under her maiden name of Browne.

“My life has always only been horses,” says Olive, who is juggling riding with a BTEC business course. “I’m very lucky to be in the position I am in, but of course it does bring quite a lot of extra ties having the surname that I do. There is definitely is a bit more pressure and I’m very aware that. But I think more than anything, I put pressure on myself – I’m pretty tough on myself – but I’m trying to make the most of the fortunate position I’m in.”

Olive also has a passion for eventing, competing up to intermediate and two-star level, and currently has two horses she plans to campaign in this sphere in 2023.

“Eventing is now just my fun really,” she explains. “This year I’d love to have a good shot at the junior team, but there’s no pressure with that – I just want to enjoy it.”

With so much on her plate, Olive’s typical day is pretty busy.

“I have to attend my business course three-and-a-half days per week, which works pretty well around my riding,” she says. “During the Christmas holidays I was riding out six lots for mum near Lambourn each morning, then I rode my two eventers and then did evening stables. My life is pretty much just horses.”

Olive rides pointers predominantly for her mother and picks out Viroflay as one to watch this season.

“I think Viroflay is a very exciting horse. He definitely keeps me on my toes and makes me work for it as he’s a bit of a funny fish, a bit nuts and runs away with me at home regularly, but we love him for it,” explains Olive of the six-year-old, who is owned by her father Paul Nicholls along with John Bolton, and is trained by her mother.

Viroflay most recently won his second point-to-point at Larkhill (1 January) by 12 lengths, beating some good horses in the process.

“The result was beyond my expectations and I nearly didn’t run him as he’s so inexperienced, but he was an absolute pro and I’ve never ever had a feeling like that,” explains Olive.

Viroflay has just returned to racing after two years on the sidelines.

“He did a leg after two juvenile hurdle runs for dad and to be honest, the injury was possibly the biggest blessing I’ve ever had because I wouldn’t have Viroflay otherwise.

“He was owned by the Stewart family and Andy Stewart very sadly passed away in 2022, so I think he was blessed into our hands really.”

Olive says that she has been “extremely lucky” to ride some of the horses that she has gained experience on in point-to-points, such as previous multiple National Hunt winners Virak and Shantou Flyer.

“The experienced horses taught me the most on the course and that is the only thing that’s going to take a jockey forward. To have those older horses last season means that now I have have more knowledge to get on the younger horses this year and every teach them a bit as well.”

In terms of this season Olive says that she will be building on last season’s experiences.

“Obviously now I’m not a novice rider [having won the title last season], there’s a bit of a jump up in competition,” she explains. “I’d love to give the ladies’ national championship a go, but I don’t think I’m in a position to secure it just yet. I’d love to do better than I did last season though and I have a lot of personal goals; I’d love to get my category B licence and get some rides under Rules under my belt.”

In the long-term, Olive takes no time in saying that she would like to go down the racehorse training route.

“I’d love to train National Hunt horses, but if I thought I was going be good enough to be a professional jockey, and it seemed like the right thing to do, then of course I would give it a go. But I wouldn’t do that unless I thought I could really do it.”

Note down the name Olive Nicholls – she is definitely one to follow.

‘It’s fantastic and I like being at the top of my game’: Paul Nicholls trains a record 13th King George VI winner

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 15:42:38 +0000

The incredibly exciting prospect Bravemansgame came out on top in the Ladbrokes King George VI results at Kempton today (26 December 2022).

Bravemansgame, ridden by Harry Cobden and trained by Paul Nicholls, went off at a price of 11/4 as second favourite to L’Homme Presse, to win comfortably by 14 lengths.

“This horse has now got a way of going where I can get into the race with him behind the bridle – he used to be too keen,” explained 23-year-old Harry, for whom this was a second King George VI victory, when speaking to ITV Racing. “I’ve worked out how to ride him, Paul has got spot him on. He’s a very good horse and every bit as much of a stayer as I thought he was going to be. This is a great day.

“It means a lot. The last one I won was in 2018 [on Clan Des Obeaux] and I definitely didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have done. It sounds a bit silly but now I’m 23, I appreciate these big days as they don’t come around that often.”

Harry expanded on the plans for Bravemansgame, a seven-year-old, who is owned by John Dance and Bryan Drew.

“We have learnt that he doesn’t take lots of racing very well – he puts a lot into it and then goes quite light so he doesn’t want many more runs than four each year,” said Harry. “If he was mine, I would now be taking him straight to the Gold Cup [without a run in-between].”

Paul Nicholls, who has now trained a record 13 King George VI winners, confirmed this would be the plan for Bravemansgame, who now has three Grade One victories to his name.

“It was a hell of a race. They went a good gallop and old Frodon gave them a good lead. Bravemansgame stayed on strong and showed his strengths. He is just a maturing horse and we have trained him for today. He’s not been the easiest to train, but we know him now and he will go straight to the Cheltenham Gold Cup [in March]”.

The favourite, L’Homme Presse, trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by Charlie Deutsch, jumped to his left throughout the right-handed race, impeding Bravemansgame at times, particularly in the initial stages of the race. L’Homme Presse ultimately unseated Charlie at the last, but neither horse nor jockey were the worse for wear.

“L’Homme Presse jumped out left across Bravemansgame a fair bit, but as a jockey, you don’t want to take a pull and put your horse in behind in that kind of race,” explained Paul. “So Harry ended up just going a bit wider so that L’Homme Presse didn’t impede him so much.”

Frodon, who is also trained by Paul Nicholls, finished third under Bryony Frost, going off at a price of 18/1.

“I’m very proud of Frodon as he’s 10 years old, going on 11,” said Paul. “I love this sport and you always have to look forward and look back.

“It’s fantastic and I like being at the top of my game. I have to give special mentions to Clifford Baker, who has been my head lad for years, Scott Marshall, who rides Bravemansgame every day and Harry, who is an ever-improving young jockey – it’s amazing.”

Venetia Williams’ other runner in this race, bar L’Homme Presse, was Royale Pagaille, who finished second under Tom Scudamore – they went off at a price of 12/1.

Eldorado Allen was fourth under Brendan Powell for trainer Joe Tizzard, while Ahoy Senor, who has had some issues jumping in the past, looked to jump around nicely enough to finish fifth for Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell under Derek Fox.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls talks about how an advert changed his life and managing 200 horses

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 16:02:49 +0000

The 13-time champion jumps trainer Paul Nicholls has enjoyed a cracking start to the season from his base in Ditcheat, Somerset, with well over 60 winners and £1million in prize-money banked already, including big-race success with the likes of stable stars Frodon, Greaneteen and Bravemansgame.

Speaking to H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald on episode 130 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, Paul credits a change in the horses’ feeding regime for some spectacular performances in recent weeks.

“We did change the feed this season,” he says. “For some reason last year I was never really happy with the horses and even in the spring some of them were running really ordinarily. There’s just been a complete turnaround this autumn.”

Martin Pipe holds the record as a 15-time champion trainer, but Paul is keen to match, if not beat, that target and, with over 3,500 winners to his name in a career spanning over 30 years, the next big milestone to aim for is the 4,000 winner mark.

“They’d be nice milestones to achieve one day,” says Paul. “Everyone’s happy at Ditcheat, they’re all working hard and when the horses run well and look good, and we get the results we’re getting at the moment, it makes life a lot easier I can assure you!”

Among the current crop of stable stars that will hopefully be in action again soon are Greaneteen, who will be heading to the Tingle Creek at Sandown Park next weekend (3 December), hoping to retain the crown he won last year, while Bravemansgame’s next target is the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

There are also some very smart novice chasers in the ranks to keep an eye on, including Gelino Bello, Stage Star and McFabulous. So is Paul allowed to have favourites?

“Everyone knows that when Kauto Star was in training, he was one of my favourites,” says Paul, who trains 150 horses split between two different yards, then has a further 50 youngsters across several pre-training yards and Will Biddick’s nursery for the three-year-olds.

“You always like those good classy horses and one I’m particularly fond of now is Bravemansgame, because he’s quite a character and he’s obviously quite good. But you want to treat them all the same, they’re all good horses – you just want to make sure they’re happy and healthy and fit to perform to their best.”

How did it all begin for 13-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls?

Somewhat surprisingly for someone who has made equine history, trainer Paul Nicholls doesn’t come from a horsey background.

“My father was in the police force, my grandfather was in the police force – there’s no connection with horses whatsoever,” says Paul. “But my dad bought me some riding lessons when I was about six and I got hooked.”

He inherited a love of racing from his grandfather.

“My grandad used to follow racing and was great friends with [trainer] Geoff Scudamore and used to visit him on his daily beat,” says Paul. “I just got hooked on racing after that.”

Paul forged an early career in the saddle.

“I would hardly describe it as great!” says Paul, who started off in point-to-pointing for trainer Dick Bainbridge. “I probably learnt as much from him as anybody. I realised if I wanted to train one day I needed to get involved in the sport, so I rode as an amateur for a bit then I rode a few winners as a professional, I was lucky enough to win the Hennessy Gold Cup [now the Coral Gold Cup, run this weekend, 26 November] at Newbury twice. So I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and rode three or four really nice horses.

“But I was always really hooked on the training to be honest with you.”

Trainer Paul Nicholls: ‘That was a real turning point for me’

The catalyst for the switch to training came when Paul was kicked by a horse at home, resulting in a year off, after which the next step was to become assistant trainer to David and Jenny Barons.

“We had a lot of fun with them and won the Grand National in 1991 with Seagram,” says Paul.

But without any financial backing, Paul was struggling to make the break to set up on his own, until by chance he spotted a classified ad in the Racing Post that would change his life – and lead to one of the greatest eras in sporting history.

“It said ‘28-box yard in Ditcheat, Somerset, for rent – successful applicant will have the support of the landlord’ and that was Paul Barber,” explains Paul Nicholls, who has now trained from this idyllic setting for more than 30 years. “As you could say, the rest is history.”

After slowly building his training establishment from an original eight horses, but struggling to really make a name for himself, his first Cheltenham winner came in 1999, when he racked up a remarkable hat-trick with Flagship Uberalles, Call Equiname and See More Business, who won the Gold Cup.

“As you can imagine, that was an amazing moment for us,” reflects Paul. “That was a real turning point for me – if it hadn’t been for those three horses, I probably wouldn’t be here now.”

To hear jumps trainer Paul Nicholls talking more about his training regime and what it would mean to win another Gold Cup, tune in to episode 130 of The Horse & Hound Podcast – listen here or search “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

The Horse & Hound Podcast 130: Paul Nicholls | Horses that rear or buck | News round-up

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 06:45:05 +0000

Our 130th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast features an exclusive interview is with 13-time champion jumps trainer Paul Nicholls. He talks about his flying start to the season, his top horses, life at Ditcheat, plans and aims for the rest of this season. Plus he takes a look back at some of the all-time greats that he has trained such as Kauto Star and the horses behind the turning point in his career. Our news team then discuss crucial decisions for the Paris Olympics, rules on blood and riding dangerously and antibiotic use in horses. Finally, veterinary equine behaviourist Dr Gemma Pearson talks about training horses who buck or rear and the reasons they might display such behaviour. We hope you will enjoy listening.

Episode 130 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service, is available every Thursday morning, is now live.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode. This will allow more listeners to make The Horse & Hound Podcast an essential part of their week every Thursday morning.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

“I’d love to win another Gold Cup. I’ve won four – I think there’s a couple of people who have trained five winners and I’d like to match that” – Paul Nicholls on his ultimate goals for the rest of this season

Our news team then discuss calls for updated legislation from veterinary professionals and the ongoing work to promote better employment practice in the horse world.

“Ingmar De Vos gave us the stark reminder that we are only as good as our last Games as we head rapidly towards Paris” – H&H’s Lucy Elder on what the president of the FEI had to say at the recent FEI General Assembly

Dr Gemma Pearson talks about training horses who buck or rear and the reasons they might display such behaviour.

“The first take-home message is pain, and if it’s not pain, it’s probably pain – almost all the horses I see bucking or rearing have pain as a component” – Dr Gemma Pearson

We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 130

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Superstar chaser Cyrname thriving in new career: ‘He’s such a professional’

Lucy Elder — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 17:01:38 +0000

Grade One winner Cyrname, once the highest-rated chaser in Britain, is thriving in his new career after racing and delighted fans when he appeared at Blenheim Horse Trials.

The former Paul Nicholls-trained 10-year-old gelding, owned by Samantha de la Hey, retired from racing this spring. He joined Charlotte Alexander, who has had the likes of Denman, Earthmover and Saphir Du Rheu in their post-racing careers.

“He is absolutely brilliant – very relaxed and chilled – and such a professional horse,” Charlotte told H&H.

Cyrname, known as “Cyril”, earned his place as Britain’s highest-rated chaser following his staggering 17-length victory in the 2019 Ascot Chase. It was an accolade he franked later that year, when bringing Altior’s 19-strong winning streak to an end in the Christy 1965 Chase at the same course.

His first significant public appearance since switching careers was at Blenheim Horse Trials, where he and Charlotte took part in the Thoroughbred Dressage demonstrations with Louise Robson.

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Charlotte credited five-star event rider Louise Harwood for starting off “Cyril’s” retraining so well.

“I sent him to Louise, just to help me – he is quite strong and I knew he needed flatwork education – I have a full-time job alongside eventing two horses this summer, and it was important to give him the best start,” said Charlotte.

“Louise is wonderful and has a lovely yard in Herefordshire. She has been instrumental in getting him to where we are now, which is really just the beginning of starting to compete.”

Louise did a few combined training shows with him, which he loved and showed beautiful manners on the lorry.

“I took him to Lyneham cross-country schooling the other day and he was absolutely brilliant,” said Charlotte, adding she hopes he will go eventing and she thinks he will be a front-running lead horse team chasing.

“He didn’t look at anything – we jumped skinnies on turns and he went straight into the water.

“He went to the Berkeley Team Chase to do the novice and I took him to Blenheim on his own and he’s the sort that falls asleep tied up to the lorry. I’d thought I might need a nanny, but he was lovely.”

She added he led from around the fifth fence at the Berkeley (“and was marvellous”) and is heading to the Warwickshire this weekend.

Charlotte said Cyril “absolutely loves jumping” and the retraining and flatwork is preparing him mentally and physically for the change of pace he will now enjoy it at.

“I’m hoping to field master from him,” said Charlotte, who also field masters from Grade One winner now intermediate eventer Saphir Du Rheu.

“I’m sure he will hunt. He is strong, but not stupid, and is such a sweet horse – he loves being cuddled and I think he really enjoys having one-on-one attention.

“He is lovely, I’m very excited about his future and for what we can do.”

‘Wonderful’ retirement beckons for grey hero who captured fans’ hearts

Lucy Elder — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 16:54:23 +0000

Popular 2020 Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Politologue will join fellow National Hunt star Big Buck’s in retirement, after bowing out of the sport following his seventh Cheltenham Festival appearance.

Politologue, owned by John Hales, finished fourth in the 2022 running of the Champion Chase on 16 March. It was the final run in a stellar career for the multiple Grade One-winning crowd favourite, trained by Paul Nicholls.

“I’m delighted with that and he’s run really well,” said Paul, following the race. “He hasn’t quite got the legs of the others now when coming down the hill but he enjoyed it as he knew it would.

“He’s been a brilliant servant for us – he’s won over a million quid and won the Champion Chase so we’re really proud of him.”

Politologue in the 2020 Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The 11-year-old gelding will return to the Hales’ at the end of the season, for his usual summer holiday, before moving to Mike and Lucy Felton for his retirement. He will join the four-time World Hurdle (Stayers’ Hurdle) winner Big Buck’s, who retired in 2014, at the Feltons’ Dorset base.

“I’m really emotional to hear that applause from the crowd for him, it just shows what a wonderful horse he’s been and it’s great to see people have enjoyed him,” added Paul.

“He’s run at seven Festivals and he’s won the Champion Chase, he always gives his best and is an amazing horse.

“It was a special day when he won the Champion Chase here, but he’s also won two Tingle Creeks and a Grade One at Aintree so he’s been a smashing horse for the Hales family. He goes out at the top and he’ll join Big Buck’s in retirement. He’s going to have a wonderful home.”

Politologue won 12 of his 31 starts under Rules, and finished second on nine occasions. Harry Skelton, Sam Twiston-Davies and Harry Cobden all tasted Grade One glory aboard the Poliglote son.

The first of his two Tingle Creek titles came in 2017, a feat he repeated three years later. His other accolades include the Melling Chase at Aintree, plus four Grade Two victories at Ascot, Kempton and Newbury.

Bravemansgame: everything you need to know about this key Cheltenham Festival contender

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 12:42:32 +0000

Bravemansgame is one of the top novice chasers in National Hunt (jump) racing at the moment. Here, we find out a little bit more about him ahead of the Cheltenham Festival (15–18 March 2022).

1. Bravemansgame is a seven-year-old gelding (born on 28 March 2015).

2. He is owned by John Dance and Bryan Drew.

3. He was bred by M Guiot and B Stoffel in France.

4. Bravemansgame is by Brave Mansonnien and is out of Genifique, who is by Nickname.

5. He is trained by top British trainer Paul Nicholls.

6. So far, Bravemansgame has won eight of his 13 career starts, with one of those coming in his sole point-to-point before starting his career under Rules.

7. He has amassed over £170,000 in prize money to-date.

8. His biggest victories so far came in two Grade One races; one in the Challow novices’ hurdle at Newbury in December 2020 and the other in the Kauto Star novices’ chase at Kempton on Boxing Day in 2021.

9. Bravemansgame is declared to run in the Grade One Brown Advisory novices’ chase at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 15 March 2022, where he lines up as one of the key contenders for Britain.

10. He will be ridden by Harry Cobden at the Cheltenham Festival, who has ridden him in all his races under Rules.

Keep up-to-date with all of Horse & Hound’s Cheltenham coverage this week via horseandhound.co.uk, where you will be able to read all of the latest news and features surrounding The Festival.

Gearing up for Cheltenham Festival 2022: ones to watch from Newbury and Warwick

Marcus Armytage — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:24:08 +0000

Several winners from Newbury’s card on Saturday 12 February, which featured Europe’s most valuable handicap hurdle, look ones to watch as the Cheltenham Festival in March fast approaches. Over at Warwick, Alan King was said to be “delighted and relieved” as he now targets one of the big races. Here are five Cheltenham-bound horses from the weekend to keep an eye on…

ELDORADO ALLEN

Trying three miles for the first time, the Betfair Denman Chase winner Eldorado Allen (pictured) gave Colin Tizzard the option – or rather headache – of supplementing (£30,000) him for the Gold Cup. However, he is already in the Ryanair Chase – a race the trainer won with Cue Card nine years ago. Under Brendan Powell, he beat Royale Pagaille 2¼ lengths, with Clan Des Obeaux 10 lengths back in third.

FORTUNE AND GLORY

The Tom Lacey-trained Fortune And Glory booked his place in next month’s Champion Hurdle when he carried a big weight to victory by the narrowest of margins over the novice I Like To Move It in the Betfair Hurdle, the most valuable handicap hurdle in Europe, on Saturday.

Beyond the unbeaten reigning champion Honeysuckle, to whom Tom Lacey’s seven-year-old will have to concede the 7lb mares’ allowance, it looks an open Champion. Appreciate It will go straight there, not having raced this season, Sharjah is out and any number of horses, including Fortune And Glory, have each-way chances, especially as he stays further than two miles and, clearly, is suited by a strong gallop.

Stan Sheppard, who rode him, is really having a break-through season, having won the Welsh National on Iwilldoit and now the Betfair. And his timing, sending on the seven-year-old two out when he was travelling well, and hanging on to win by a short-head, was perfect.

Stan said: “I’ll be honest, I was looking through the race and couldn’t for the life of me work out why he was the price he was. Soaring Glory was 8-1 and we beat him at levels in the Christmas Hurdle, and we were getting weight off him today. It’s just brilliant, I was pretty confident beforehand, but I’m glad I got this one right.”

BRAVEMANSGAME

The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old duly made all to comfortably beat Pats Fancy, a good winner of his previous two starts, 3½ lengths, giving him 16lb in the novices’ limited handicap at Newbury. If anything can put it up to his Irish equivalent Galopin Des Champs, it is Bravemansgame.

FUNAMBULE SIVOLA

While one cannot see Venetia Williams’s Funambule Sivola shaking up either Shishkin or Energumene – or even Chacun Pour Soi – in the Champion Chase, it is nearly Oscar time and we need a few best-supporting actors. Funambule Sivola beat Sceau Royal, a good marker, two lengths in the Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase, which would put him in the mix for a minor placing.

EDWARDSTONE

At the start of the season, I am not sure too many people would have thought Edwardstone – a decent handicap hurdler without quite setting the world on fire last season – would have gone to Cheltenham as favourite for the Arkle. However, Ireland’s two-mile novice division does not look its strongest, while Alan King’s son of Kayf Tara has become dependable and very solid.

First time out, he was brought down, but he has not looked back since winning the Henry VIII by 16 lengths, the Wayward Lad by 10 and Saturday’s Virgin Bet Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick by more than four lengths from Third Time Lucki and Brave Seasca, smart novices in their own right. It was the perfect Cheltenham prep.

“I’m delighted and relieved,” said King. “I felt going from Kempton at Christmas straight to the Festival was too long for him, because he can get very fresh. He used to be strong, but he’s getting progressively better. Those big handicap hurdles last season – he was third in the Betfair Hurdle and fifth in the County Hurdle – manned him up and he’s a mature horse now.”

Read Marcus’s full report on the weekend’s racing action in Horse & Hound, in shops on Thursday 20 January

‘To feel the support of everyone here is huge’: hero’s welcome greets Bryony Frost after Tingle Creek success

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 19:01:41 +0000

After a trying week for Bryony Frost – which included a day being cross-examined in the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) hearing against Robbie Dunne, who she has accused of bullying and harassing her – she won the Grade One Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday (4 December), returning home to a hero’s welcome.

Bryony was riding the seven-year-old Greaneteen, one of the rising stars of the two-mile division, and the pair gave trainer Paul Nicholls a remarkable 12th winner of the race, beating stable companion Hitman by 5½ lengths.

Not surprisingly, the post-race media focus was all about the jockey rather than her mount and, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing hearing, she got a huge reception and three cheers from the Sandown crowd.

“I can’t tell you what it means,” she said. “I was nearly in tears coming in. To feel the support of everyone here is huge and I could hardly talk to Alice [Plunkett, ITV Racing] coming in because I wanted to appreciate everybody! They appreciate me and I ride horses and it’s the best life. I can say I do that as a job and it’s a special place to be.”

About the race, she added: “The ground out there is very testing, which was a concern of mine obviously from coming here at the end of April and winning [beating Altior in the Celebration Chase] on good ground. You had to think that that was our major factor and the biggest hindrance to us, but he settled very quickly.

“There were a few moments down the back there on the fence along the side and he was right down on his nose. But he was a good boy and came back up. We were like a submarine emerging at that point and then turning in we had our stablemate [Hitman] right beside us.

“We soared out over two out, we’ve come down to the last and found it and then from the back of the last I thought, ‘Oh God. This seems like it’s a mile long!’ But we found the line. In these big races sometimes you say it’s a relief and then it floods in like a waterfall; we won the Tingle Creek.”

Paul Nicholls, who had been climbing the walls at home for 10 days after testing positive for Covid, said: “It has been a difficult week for Bryony, but she has handled it well and I don’t think any of us would like to be in that position. But when you come back in and ride a Grade One winner today, that says everything about her how professional she is.”

He added: “We had no belief in Greaneteen last year, that’s probably half the problem. He was only beaten two lengths in this last year. I think he’s a better horse, but we’ve got belief in him now.”

Stars and unsung heroes honoured at Jockey Club awards

Becky Murray — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 19:03:13 +0000

The stars and unsung heroes of jump racing have been celebrated at the McCoy Awards.

More than 350 guests attended the Jockey Club’s annual ceremony, at Cheltenham racecourse on 7 October, to recognise achievements on and off the track. The awards take into account performances from the 2020–21 National Hunt season across all Jockey Club racecourses that host jump racing.

Harry Skelton was named leading professional jockey with 152 winners. Jack Tudor was crowned leading conditional jockey and Harriet Tucker leading amateur.

Harry said it was “very special” to have his name on the trophy.

“I feel very lucky to win such a lovely award,” he said. “I’m really excited for the new campaign, especially as we’ve been quieter than usual over the summer. I’m ready to go now and we’ve got a lot of horses, and the quality is rising all the time, so I’m in a very lucky position.”

The leading trainer award for those with 40 horses or more went to 11-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls, while his Ladbrokes King George VI Chase winner Frodon was named leading chaser. The leading hurdler was Bannixtown Glory, trained by Donald McCain, and the Nicky Henderson-trained Shiskin was named leading novice chaser.

Stuart Edmunds took the leading trainer title for 39 horses or fewer. JP McManus took the leading owner title for four horses or more, while the ownership group of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and John and Lisa Hales took the honours for three horses or fewer. Jaimie Duff, who works for trainer Lucinda Russell, won the stable person of the year award.

The remaining awards were decided by a panel of judges comprising ITV Racing lead presenter Ed Chamberlin, Grade One-winning jockey Katie Walsh, the Racing Post’s Chris Cook, Cheltenham racecourse director Zara Tindall, The Jockey Club’s southwest head of racing and Cheltenham clerk of course Simon Claisse, and Sir AP McCoy, who the awards are named after.

Rachael Blackmore took the “ride of the season” award for her historic win on Minella Times in the Grand National. One of Rachael’s Cheltenham Festival-winning rides, the Willie Mullins-trained Allaho, was awarded horse performance of the season, while the Henry de Bromhead-trained Honeysuckle won horse of the season, having won all 12 of her season starts with Rachael.

The outstanding contribution award went to four-time champion jockey Richard Johnson, who announced his retirement in April after 3,800 wins. Mr Claisse, who is stepping down after more than 20 years, received the judges’ choice award.

Frodon: the ‘full-on joker’ bidding to make Cheltenham Gold Cup history H&H Plus

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 15:00:52 +0000

He’s Pegasus over the fences and a “full-on joker”. Jennifer Donald meets the Gold Cup contender bidding to help his devoted jockey make history

Frodon’s trainer Paul Nicholls

“Frodon’s first race for us was as a four-year-old and he won a good juvenile hurdle at Haydock second time out. But he wasn’t anything to look at. He’s not big, so when he first arrived he looked like a rabbit. But obviously he matured, strengthened up and filled out. He has a lot of class and, as he’s got older, he’s got more stamina. He jumps great and has the will to win. He’s an amazing horse, absolutely astonishing in fact.

“He’s mad-fresh and comes out of his box with his tail in the air, so he needs plenty of work – he literally cannot do enough. And he’s a real character. He squeals the whole time he’s out, setting the entire string off most of the time. Even after he won the Ryanair, he was still squealing in the veterinary box afterwards. He loves everything he does. He’s just one of those happy, enthusiastic horses.

“He’s ridden out every day by Holley Evans, who adores him. They’re a match made in heaven. He’s always taking the mickey out of her and she’s part of him.

“Winning the King George was my proudest moment because it was a bit of a surprise. It was magical for him and his owner, Paul [Vogt], for whom Frodon is really special. It’ll be his lifetime’s ambition to have a runner in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.”

Stable lass Michelle Kramer

“He’s like a toddler; he’s into everything and is always looking for treats, he’s so cute. If anyone is giving another horse on the yard attention, he starts banging the door. He’s happy-go-lucky and when you put him on the walker, everyone knows ‘Here comes Frodon’ because he squeals like a pig and enjoys a buck, too. You know he’s feeling well by the amount of squealing. But he’s straightforward and loves nothing better than to roll when you’ve laid out his stable.

“As soon as you put his travelling boots on, he knows where he’s going and he can’t stand still. Watching him at the races, I’ve been getting more and more nervous recently. I’ve never felt like that before.

“When he came round the back straight in front during the King George, everyone was hitting me saying, ‘He’s got this!’ but I couldn’t believe it. I had tears of joy running down my face when he won, so I was quite glad for having to wear a face mask that day. He’s fit and well but I expect I’ll feel all the nerves in the run-up to the Cheltenham Festival.”

Jockey Bryony Frost

“To describe him as a person, Frodon would be the one in the room with the contagious laugh. He inspires through how courageous, determined and self-assured he is. He’s so nimble and accurate, he’s brilliant to sit on, but I’m definitely the apprentice, he’s the boss.

“In the early days, the most worrying thing was getting down to the start because he’s quite gung-ho. In parades, Harry Derham, Paul’s assistant trainer, would sometimes have to help Michelle lead him and I was giggling away on top as Harry skied underneath me with his heels planted in the turf. Frodon just took him for a walk. He’s a full-on joker.

“As a girl, you watch horses like him on telly and dream of what they may be like, so to have him in my career is beyond a fairytale. We’ve achieved not just wins, but we’ve broken records and smashed a lot of expectations. The whole grandstand erupted for him when he won the Ryanair. Coming down the chute was such a proud moment because I could feel how much he’d touched people. He thrives off all that.

“If I don’t have fun with him in the Gold Cup, there’s something wrong with me. It’s the biggest test of our career and one of the toughest races, but ask me what horse I’d like to ride in the race and it would always be Frodon.”

Also published in H&H 11 March 2021

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14 things you might not know about National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 14:24:23 +0000

Find out everything you need to know about National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls.

1. Paul Nicholls, born on 17 April 1972, is a British National Hunt trainer based at Manor Farm, Ditcheat in Somerset.

2. Nicholls left school at the age of 16 to work at a local point-to-point yard and in 1982 he became a conditional jockey under trainer Josh Gifford.

3. In 1984 he joined David Barons as stable jockey and enjoyed some notable successes, including back-to-back wins in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury with Broadheath in 1986 and Playschool the following year.

4. However, due to injury, he retired as a jockey in 1989 having ridden 133 winners over a seven-year career.

5. He then served a two-year apprenticeship as assistant trainer to Barons before taking out his own trainer’s licence in 1991.

6. Paul Nicholls began renting Manor Farm, Ditcheat from a local dairy farmer, Paul Barber, and had just eight horses in training to begin with.

7. His first winner, Olveston, was owned by Nicholls’ father and named after the South Gloucestershire village where he grew up.

8. His career developed steadily but the 1999 Cheltenham Festival, however, was to mark the start of Nicholls’ real success when he won the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Call Equiname, the Arkle Chase with Flagship Uberalles and the Cheltenham Gold Cup with See More Business.

9. At the end of the 2005-2006 season Nicholls was crowned champion National Hunt trainer for the first time. He has now been crowned champion National Hunt trainer 11 times.

10. Paul Nicholls trained his 50th Grade One winner in December 2008 when Master Minded — ridden by AP McCoy — won the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

11. Irish jockey Ruby Walsh played a central role in Nicholls’ success, including winning the 2007 and 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cups for him aboard Kauto Star. Sam Thomas won the same race aboard Denman in 2008. After the 2020 Cheltenham Festival, he had racked up 45 Festival winners.

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12. Kauto Star and Walsh won the King George VI Chase at Kempton a record five times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011). Nicholls has more recently won this race with Silviniaco Conti (2013, 2014), Clan Des Obeaux (2018, 2019) and Frodon (2020).

13. Nicholls won the Grand National in 2012 with veteran chaser Neptune Collonges ridden by Daryl Jacob.

14. Paul is married to Georgie Brown and he has three daughters. His eldest daughter, Megan, from his second marriage is a professional Flat jockey.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find out more about getting the magazine delivered to your door every week.

Frodon and Bryony Frost provide Christmas fairytale with King George VI victory

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 18:16:05 +0000

After what has been a very unusual festive period for most due to coronavirus restrictions, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase today (26 December) delivered something of a Christmas fairytale result, with Frodon providing a somewhat surprising win under Bryony Frost (pictured).

Jumping off handily and dominating from start to finish, the pair defied their 20/1 starting price to land the Grade One at Kempton Park racecourse by 2¼ lengths.

“We’ve just won the King George!” Bryony exclaimed afterwards. “I’ve had the absolute best time going round on Frodon — he’s just smashed everyone’s expectations. What a Christmas present he has given his owners, Mr and Mrs Vogt.

“He’s what you dream of as a little girl — he was absolutely epic and I’m so grateful to Paul [Nicholls] for letting me ride Frodon.

“Paul’s travelling head girl said to me that he was in great form and I could not believe it coming to the line — I had to double check we weren’t meant to be going round again.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This win meant that Bryony also surpassed the current record of the number of National Hunt winners ridden by a female jockey, and becomes the all-time leading female jump jockey.

“I talked to my brother, who is currently in the US last night and he said ‘how cool would it be if you broke the record on Frodon in the King George’,” Bryony explained.

This win also marked a 12th for trainer Paul Nicholls in this race, and he continues to be the winning-most trainer of the race.

“That was amazing and I wasn’t expecting it,” Paul admitted, with his more favoured runners, Clan Des Obeaux and Cyrname finishing sixth and pulled up respectively.

“Frodon loves it around here and my instructions to Bryony were to just go as quickly as she could and to keep jumping. I’ve done serious work with him over the past three weeks after he didn’t run particularly well in the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree [5 December] and he’s thrived off it. What a remarkable horse he is.”

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Owners Mr and Mrs Vogt were understandably delighted with the result.

“It’s amazing and we can’t believe it. He was up for it and he was never headed. What a surprise it was,” Mr Vogt explained.

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Waiting Patiently ran gallantly finishing second under champion jockey Brian Hughes for trainer Ruth Jefferson and owner Richard Collins. The result was a great training performance given that the nine-year-old was last seen on the track on 7 December 2019.

“Waiting Patiently’s owner has been amazing as he has had time off, but he’s just run his heart out. He ran absolute blinder of a race and has done nothing wrong,” said Ruth.

The 2018 and 2019 winner of this race, Clan Des Obeaux, who went off 85/40 favourite, finished third after he made a few mistakes. The disappointments of the race were Cyrname and Lostintranslation, who were both pulled up, while Santini finished a below-par fifth.

H&H interview: Flat jockey Megan Nicholls H&H Plus

Madeleine Silver — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 11:00:40 +0000

The daughter of champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls talks to Madeleine Silver about her surprise move into the Flat world – and why she’s optimistic for the future of female jockeys

There was one Royal Ascot when a then-teenage Megan Nicholls answered the phone to her father, but instead of Paul, jockey Hayley Turner had been put at the end of the line to greet her.

“I remember not knowing what to say, I was shell-shocked,” laughs Megan when we catch up soon after post-lockdown racing has commenced. “When I was growing up, Hayley Turner was queen. She has set the standard for female jockeys for sure.”

Fast forward nearly a decade, and Megan, now 23 years old and 14 winners off her claim, is a weighing room colleague of her childhood heroine.

“I get on with her really well and if there was ever anything I needed to ask or if I was worried about something, I know that I could ring her,” she says.

Hayley might be considered the empress among female jockeys, with a career spanning 20 years, but Megan is now firmly in the growing crop of women proving to the betting public that they are equally as capable as their male counterparts. Last summer, she landed the biggest win of her career at “Glorious Goodwood” on Mannaal, and for three years on the trot she has taken the top spot in the Silk Series, a race series launched in 2017 for female jockeys.

Her combined Instagram and Twitter following is nearing 40k, which means that the baton is in her hands to help inspire the next generation of girls in the saddle – and she paints an alluring picture. Take away the photos of horses, and you’d be forgiven for mistaking her for any number of model-like Instagram star; nights out in Dubai with enviably tanned limbs, Barbados with “#mygirls” and sunset walks with her boyfriend and fellow jockey Kevin Stott that wouldn’t be out of place in a preppy clothing catalogue.

“Some people are against social media, but I’m all for it if you use it correctly. You have to showcase what we have in racing, and encourage girls who might be pony racing to go down the same route,” she says.

Attitudes among trainers towards female jockeys are changing she says, but that’s only thanks to the rise in the standard of riding. “I don’t think they’re afraid to use the girls who are good enough,” she says.

So, it’s not a disadvantage being of the fairer sex?

“Personally no, I don’t think it is,” she says. “For anyone as an apprentice coming through it’s not easy and not everyone makes it. You forget that there’s an awful lot of boys that get their apprentice licence and don’t go through the ranks.

“It just becomes more apparent with the girls because there are fewer of them and therefore a bigger deal is made of the fact that they may not get the opportunities. But the girls who have been good enough and worked hard have earnt their rides.”

A pony-mad little girl

This is perhaps the sort of admirable confidence that comes with growing up surrounded by success; a deep-rooted belief that hard work pays off. By the time Megan was a toddler, her now 11-time champion trainer father had won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and King George VI Chase with See More Business, and she was still just a pony-mad little girl when the likes of Kauto Star and Denman were making headlines for the Somerset yard.

She remembers sitting on Ditcheat’s champions and wandering round the yard – “you knew that they were special because of the fuss made over them,” she says – but mainly she was too busy “causing carnage” on her ponies, later joined by her younger half-sisters.

“Dad used to try and keep us away from the racehorses when he could, but we liked to join the back of the string and get involved. I was mad keen – I think it was harder to drag me off the ponies than get me on them.”

Hunting as a child with the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale – when she used to follow around with showjumper Harriet Nuttall – armed her with a thick skin. “The ponies had more control than the rider, that is for sure,” she laughs. “I just went where I was taken.”

But it is only now that she has started to appreciate how much time Paul managed to make for her and the ponies.

“When Dad could, he was jumping in the lorry and driving us here, there and everywhere. And when he was busy racing, I did a lot with my grandad and cousins.”

There was also Paul’s “exceptionally quick” head lad Clifford Baker on hand as her secret weapon.

“He used to be the gymkhana pro – he’d throw me on and we’d be unbeatable,” she remembers fondly. “So, a lot of people went out of their way. I was very lucky.”

Front-row seats at jump racing’s biggest theatres were also at her disposal – not that it was always comfortable viewing.

“I used to love going racing with Dad and I still do, but my nerves are worse when I’m watching than when I’m riding. I walk round at a million miles an hour, spin in circles, jump up and down. I’m a nightmare, so I think Dad tries to stay away from me,” she laughs, reeling off a list of family highlights that reads like an encyclopaedia of National Hunt’s silverware.

Pony racing quickly caught her imagination as a child, with the help of What A Risk – “an absolute dude” – and schoolwork swiftly played second fiddle. And as soon as her parents relented to her desperate pleas to leave school (in the end only after she’d done the first year of A levels) she was at the yard full time.

A trajectory into National Hunt racing looked set; in her first season pointing she had 17 winners, with “some great horses”. But having geared up for the next season, she had a change of heart.

“Once that first pointing season was over, I rode as an amateur on the Flat, had a few winners and loved it – it gave me a different buzz,” she says. “And that’s when I dropped the bombshell that I wanted to be a Flat jockey.”

It’s no secret that her father was surprised; he told a newspaper reporter at the time that his then 17-year-old daughter needed to “get it out of her system”, that “there’s no point in pushing her”.

“Oh yes, it didn’t go down too well,” says Megan now. But six years on, and with her success growing and no sign of her enthusiasm waning, Paul is on board.

“Eventually, obviously, Dad’s been hugely supportive of my decision and I think he’s glad of it now. We’ve had some luck together; he’s had some winners on the Flat and he enjoys watching me riding.”

And what about the blurring of boundaries when you’re riding for your father? Does she have to assume a professional persona?

“When we’re on the phone we’re normally talking about horses anyway,” she says. “And it’s great, the horses are always really fit and I know them all.

“Dad tells me how he wants them to be ridden and as long as you make a conscious effort to do the best at that, then he’s happy.”

Surviving lockdown

It was when she was riding for Simon Crisford, last summer, that Megan was offered the chance to go to Dubai with his string of horses at the end of November.

On her return, having landed a job riding for owner John Dance, she headed north to Thirsk to get to know the horses that he and his syndicate Titanium Racing have spread across trainers in the area. But just as momentum was building for her to make her mark this season, it all came to a juddering halt when lockdown descended. And her new relationship with Kevin Stott – which had blossomed in Dubai – was put under the spotlight as they isolated together.

“We managed to survive!” she laughs. “Being able to do [lockdown] together made a big difference; it was good to have someone who understands exactly the same issues, and we were both still riding out for Kevin Ryan in the mornings, so that broke the day up. But there were several days when I was completely minced and my head was about to explode because I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

She even succumbed to the lockdown cliché of making banana bread – “we’d had that many smoothies that we needed a change” – and their road bikes had a dusting off.

Post lockdown, Kevin landed his first Grade One at Royal Ascot, swiftly followed up by a second winner in his own Super Saturday.

As Kevin rode into the winner’s enclosure, ITV’s commentators couldn’t help name-dropping his girlfriend; a reminder that her father’s status may always mean Megan captures the public’s interest. Having a champion trainer as a father might have made her more media savvy than most, but there are other lessons that she’s more grateful for.

“Like many people, I wanted everything to happen yesterday and Dad’s always taught me to be patient,” she says. “I used to get frustrated and be like: ‘For God’s sake Dad,’ but now I completely appreciate everything he’s done and how hard he’s worked. And he is right, you do have to be patient, keep your head down and keep working. Things don’t happen overnight, and he’s evidence of that.”

Ref Horse & Hound; 27 August 2020

Clan Des Obeaux delivers impressive King George double

Hannah Lemieux — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 20:10:52 +0000

The Paul Nicholls-trained Clan Des Obeaux claimed back-to-back victories in the Grade One Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park today, 26 December.

The seven-year-old son of Kapgarde jumped and travelled well throughout the race, and was stablemate Cyrname’s main challenger turning in for home.

The 11/2 chance pulled 21 lengths clear of his rivals, under Sam Twiston-Davies, after the penultimate fence to win the Boxing Day feature.

It was a record 11^th victory in the King George for the winning trainer, who also trained the race favourite and eventual runner-up, Cyrname.

The Willie Mullins-trained runner, Footpad, finished five lenths behind Cyrname in third, while the Betfair Chase victor, Lostintranslation, who is trained by Colin Tizzard, pulled up before the third-last.

The Venetia Williams-trained 28/1 shot, Aso, led the field during the early stages before dropping out of contention to finish fourth, under Charlie Deutsch.

“Cyrname just didn’t seem to have his normal zest, he just ran a bit flat and I was never really happy after he’d jumped a couple and Harry [Cobden] said the same,” said Paul.

“Clan Des Obeaux has had a great preparation for this race, and I’ve always said he’s a better horse this year — he’s a year older and he’s stronger. If he keeps going forward, we could put him in the Gold Cup picture. The key to him is to keep him fresh, so we could go straight to Cheltenham with him.”

The winning jockey was teaming up with the Ditcheat trainer having left the yard’s number one job in 2018.

He added: “I just sat and steered, although the race didn’t go as I imagined it would, but at the same time to come home in front — well it’s beautiful.”

Don’t miss our full report from the Boxing Day racing action at Kempton Park in the 2 January issue of Horse & Hound.

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Holidays are over! See National Hunt horses return to work after their summer breaks

Hannah Lemieux — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 11:24:16 +0000

While the sun has been shining over the past few months, the country’s winter jump horses have been enjoying their well-earned summer breaks; resting their limbs, filling their tummies with lush grass and enjoying time out in the field with their stablemates.

With August fast-approaching, these horses are now making a return to training in anticipation of National Hunt racing returning properly in October, and it is time to get back into exercise and get back into full fitness. The journey for the 2019/2020 jump season starts here, and we can’t wait...

Tom George

We haven’t stopped smiling at this video from the Tom George yard, showing an enthusiastic “11-years-young” God’s Own acting more like a three-year-old in the pen — someone is certainly happy to be back. Sit tight!

God’s Own’s everyday rider @DerrickSherrie and assistant trainer, John having a first sit on Basil who clearly hasn’t lost any enthusiasm for his job during the summer break! Age 11 now but still a 3 year old in his mind!? pic.twitter.com/RW9KGeHw7NGod’s Own’s everyday rider @DerrickSherrie and assistant trainer, John having a first sit on Basil who clearly hasn’t lost any enthusiasm for his job during the summer break! Age 11 now but still a 3 year old in his mind!? pic.twitter.com/RW9KGeHw7N— Tom George Racing (@TomGeorgeRacing) July 9, 2019— Tom George Racing (@TomGeorgeRacing) July 9, 2019

Gordon Elliott

The horses at the top Irish trainer’s Cullentra House Stables in County Meath are back in their barns, and with plenty of overgrown manes and tails, someone will be looking forward to a few days of trimming.

Great to have the first load of winter horses back ? pic.twitter.com/UK695hvUmrGreat to have the first load of winter horses back ? pic.twitter.com/UK695hvUmr— Gordon Elliott (@gelliott_racing) July 23, 2019— Gordon Elliott (@gelliott_racing) July 23, 2019

Philip Hobbs

The National Hunt horses at the trainer’s Somerset yard lined up to go through various checks, including going on the weighbridge to have their weight and microchip numbers registered. Looks like the farrier will have his work cut out with that long line of horses.

The horses coming in from their holidays out at grass ?today ready to start getting fit for the 2019/20 National Hunt…Posted by Philip Hobbs on Monday, July 8, 2019

Neil Mulholland

The horses at Neil’s base near Bath are enjoying some road work through the woods on their return from the field, before the serious fitness work begins.

Some of the horses doing road work that have just enjoyed the spring grass. They look well and are enjoying being back in. They love going through the woods. pic.twitter.com/YjlbqDk8t2Some of the horses doing road work that have just enjoyed the spring grass. They look well and are enjoying being back in. They love going through the woods. pic.twitter.com/YjlbqDk8t2— Neil Mulholland (@Neil_Mulholland) July 9, 2019— Neil Mulholland (@Neil_Mulholland) July 9, 2019

Paul Nicholls

First ride back in the school for Grade One Ryanair Chase winner Frodon as the winter horses start coming back in at the champion trainer’s Ditcheat yard.

Frodon the lion heart is back and he is already making people smile. Here he is having his first ride back in the hands of Lorcan. #legend pic.twitter.com/sN9qiZGlAgFrodon the lion heart is back and he is already making people smile. Here he is having his first ride back in the hands of Lorcan. #legend pic.twitter.com/sN9qiZGlAg— Harry Derham (@Harry05Derham) July 16, 2019— Harry Derham (@Harry05Derham) July 16, 2019

Nicky Henderson

The popular chaser Might Bite heads back to Nicky’s Seven Barrows yard in Lambourn, and looks well following his summer break.

It’s been a busy change over week at the farm with some old friends returning to their trainers. We are over the moon with this boy who has thrived during his holiday & is on great terms with himself. The very best of luck to his owners & @sevenbarrows for the season #?staysafe pic.twitter.com/b2snjczpEvIt’s been a busy change over week at the farm with some old friends returning to their trainers. We are over the moon with this boy who has thrived during his holiday & is on great terms with himself. The very best of luck to his owners & @sevenbarrows for the season #?staysafe pic.twitter.com/b2snjczpEv— Tracy Vigors (@wickhamwicks) July 18, 2019— Tracy Vigors (@wickhamwicks) July 18, 2019

Dan Skelton

The team at Dan Skelton’s Warwickshire base are working hard with all their winter horses now back in training — no doubt with this week’s hot weather, they are now basking in glorious sunshine!

It's a quiet day for us with no runners today but the hard work continues at home. Most of our winter horses are back in work and staff are in high spirits despite the unfavourable weather! #TeamSkelton pic.twitter.com/syknvCVVUNIt's a quiet day for us with no runners today but the hard work continues at home. Most of our winter horses are back in work and staff are in high spirits despite the unfavourable weather! #TeamSkelton pic.twitter.com/syknvCVVUN— Dan Skelton Racing (@DSkeltonRacing) July 19, 2019— Dan Skelton Racing (@DSkeltonRacing) July 19, 2019

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Retrained racing star Saphir Du Rheu storms around Barbury

Lucy Elder — Sat, 13 Jul 2019 10:10:26 +0000

Saphir Du Rheu, the former successful steeplechaser who is now enjoying his retirement by demonstrating his eventing prowess, has added a clear novice cross-country round at Barbury International Horse Trials to his CV.

Charlotte Alexander told H&H she was “overwhelmed” by the talented 10-year-old grey, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls, who has gone from his first ever event to jumping clear around five novice tracks in his first half season of eventing.

“Saphy was truly amazing,” said Charlotte, who also retrained Denman.

“He went clear across country on a course that caused huge problems. It was big and technical, but Saph popped round as if it was a hunter trial.”

Charlotte added both she and her friend Hayley Sparkes, who helps her at every event, were in tears when she finished cross-country at “just how amazing Saph was”.

“I don’t want to blow Saph’s trumpet — but I will!” she added.

“I really do think this is an incredible achievement considering he has had next to no training compared to the other horses there, most of which have been produced by professionals.

“He has just been doing this for three months and is being ridden by an amateur who is not an event rider! What a horse.

“I am going to train hard on the dressage and showjumping and when this is better, who knows what we can achieve.”

Winner of the 2015 Grade One Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree, “Saphy” retired from the track in April 2018 and enjoyed a holiday before starting his retraining last summer.

He team chased, leading the Boring Gorings around open tracks, and hunted with the Beaufort over the winter before competing at his first event, Aston-le-Walls (1) in March.

Article continues below…

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(Image credit: ultimate-images)

Former racing star Saphir Du Rheu enjoys spin around Cheltenham

The retrained racehorse gave Ballycasey and Patrick Mullins a lead over Cheltenham’s cross-country fences

(Image credit: ultimate-images)

Retrained racing star Saphir Du Rheu heads for Barbury after storming BE novice debut

‘He is much better at novice level in all phases as the dressage gives him more to think about; the

(Image credit: ultimate-images)

Charlotte, who trains with Brian Hutton and Owen Moore, previously told H&H she believes he is the best horse she has ever ridden.

The combination’s Barbury result is even more impressive as it means Saphy has achieved the minimum eligibility requirements to step up to intermediate within three months of taking part in his first ever event, should Charlotte choose to do so.

The pair are now entered in the novice at Cholmondeley Castle (27 to 28 July) and Homme House (5 to 7 August).

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Retrained racing star Saphir Du Rheu heads for Barbury after storming BE novice debut

Lucy Elder — Sat, 18 May 2019 05:33:44 +0000

Retrained Grade One-winning racehorse Saphir Du Rheu has made a phenomenal start to his eventing career, jumping clear across country at novice level on his third ever horse trials.

“Saphy”, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls, retired from racing in March 2018 and enjoyed a holiday before starting his new hunting, team chasing and eventing career with Charlotte Alexander.

The pair posted a dressage score of 38, clipping three rails in the showjumping, before storming clear around Nigel Taylor’s British Eventing course at Aston-le-Walls (8 May) in the fastest time of the day. They ended the day 13th in the 35-strong section.

Charlotte told H&H she is “thrilled” with Saphy.

“Getting any horse to novice I think is a particular achievement, but to get a horse that has only been out of training for less than a year to novice on his third run — only his third ever dressage test! — is very special,” she said, adding it is “all him”.

“A special thank you should go to Brian Hutton at Talland who has been helping me with my dressage and showjumping, along with Owen Moore who is also trying to ‘knock off the rough edges’ with my riding.

“There is still a long way to go and it’s not easy when you have an elderly team chase rider, rather set in her ways!”

Charlotte, who also retrained Denman, added she will step Saphy back down to BE100 level for his next run, at Ascott-under-Wychwood on 1 June.

He will then move back up to novice at West Wilts the following weekend and is being aimed for Barbury in July.

“He is much better at novice level in all phases as the dressage gives him more to think about; the showjumping just needs more practice, mainly from me,” she said.

“The cross-country, although he is green at the combinations — a little wobbly between the skinny combinations — he has plenty of scope and did find it easy.”

Article continues below…

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(Image credit: Tricia Honour. Saphir Du Rheu team chasing with Charlotte Alexander)

Retired racing star Saphir Du Rheu makes eventing debut

(Image credit: Tricia Honour. Saphir Du Rheu team chasing with Charlotte Alexander)

Former racing star Saphir Du Rheu enjoys spin around Cheltenham

The retrained racehorse gave Ballycasey and Patrick Mullins a lead over Cheltenham’s cross-country fences

(Image credit: Tricia Honour. Saphir Du Rheu team chasing with Charlotte Alexander)

Grand National winner turned eventer to return to Aintree

The 2014 Grand National winner is now enjoying an active second career as an eventer and joins eight other former

(Image credit: Tricia Honour. Saphir Du Rheu team chasing with Charlotte Alexander)

How former H&H cover star has transformed from successful racehorse to team chaser

Find out which former Paul Nicholls-trained racehorse is thriving in his new career

The French-bred gelding, previously a Highflyer Bloodstock purchase, was gifted to Charlotte on his retirement by the Stewart family who owned him during his racing years.

In the year since he has been off the track, the popular grey has led The Boring Gorings around open team chase courses, hunted with the Beaufort, and helped Ballycasey — who retired from racing this week — school over Cheltenham’s cross-country fences.

He also returned to the Cheltenham Festival in March to take part in the Retraining of Racehorses parade and escort Champion Hurdle victor Espoir D’Allen to the winners’ enclosure.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Retired racing star Saphir Du Rheu makes eventing debut

Lucy Elder — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 06:34:08 +0000

Popular former racehorse Saphir Du Rheu has made his eventing debut and returned to the Cheltenham Festival a year on from his retirement.

The 10-year-old grey, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls, is enjoying life after racing with Charlotte Alexander.

He completed his first BE100 at Aston-le-Walls on 2 March, where the pair jumped clear inside the time across country.

“He has the most wonderful temperament,” Charlotte told H&H. “He is so bold and honest — we’ve been putting a lot of work into the basic things with Brian Hutton, who has been incredible.”

“Saffi” was back at Cheltenham on 12 March to take part in the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade and to escort Champion Hurdle victor Espoir D’Allen to the winners’ enclosure.

Getting ready to lead in the Champion Hurdle winner. #CheltehamFestival #SaphirDuRheu #NorthCotswoldHunt @LycettsEquine pic.twitter.com/643xE0VeunGetting ready to lead in the Champion Hurdle winner. #CheltehamFestival #SaphirDuRheu #NorthCotswoldHunt @LycettsEquine pic.twitter.com/643xE0Veun— Denman (@denmanthelegend) March 12, 2019— Denman (@denmanthelegend) March 12, 2019

“He retired after the Gold Cup at Cheltenham last year, so to have that transformation within a year is wonderful,” Charlotte said, adding he was “so well behaved”.

The French-bred gelding, who was previously a Highflyer Bloodstock purchase, was ridden by Charlotte in the parade and Guy Fitzearle, kennel-huntsman at the North Cotswold, for his escorting duties.

Article continues below…

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(Image credit: Charlotte Alexander)

Former racing star Saphir Du Rheu enjoys spin around Cheltenham

The retrained racehorse gave Ballycasey and Patrick Mullins a lead over Cheltenham’s cross-country fences

(Image credit: Charlotte Alexander)

How former H&H cover star has transformed from successful racehorse to team chaser

Find out which former Paul Nicholls-trained racehorse is thriving in his new career

(Image credit: Charlotte Alexander)

Saffi has since been out team chasing at the Beaufort on 17 March, where he sped round leading the Boring Gorings.

Charlotte plans to continue team chasing him this season, with the Farmers’ Bloodhounds (24 March) and the national championships at the Fernie (31 March) next on his calendar. After that he will head back to the eventing circuit.

“He has the most super balanced canter, that is why it is all happening so easily for him,” said Charlotte.

“We are just taking it a day at a time and seeing how it all goes.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Snow problem! How the racing world carried on despite the deluge of white stuff

Hannah Lemieux — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 16:24:57 +0000

Last week, before equine flu struck, heavy snow stopped play for many across the equestrian world, but horsey people are know for their sheer determination. Here’s how some of those in racing battled through the very wintry conditions...

1. An all-nighter

The team at Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard were able to get the horses out on the gallops thanks to their “trusty gallop man”, Rob Lee, who stayed up all night harrowing the gallops so they could be used in the morning — now that is dedication!

Rob Lee (our trusty gallop man) has been up all night trying to beat the snow… hoping to get the horses out within the next hour. pic.twitter.com/ORjx8ny4RHRob Lee (our trusty gallop man) has been up all night trying to beat the snow… hoping to get the horses out within the next hour. pic.twitter.com/ORjx8ny4RH— Megan Nicholls (@meg_nicholls11) February 1, 2019— Megan Nicholls (@meg_nicholls11) February 1, 2019

2. Snow at Seven Barrows

Champion trainer Nicky Henderson’s Lambourn base was hit hard with the white stuff, which meant the tractors were out in force. Fortunately for the team at Seven Barrows, there is an undercover exercise ring, which must be a saving grace at times like these…

A few shots from Seven Barrows this morning. A great job done by all the staff and the gallops men! #snow pic.twitter.com/o8DW3TXYYvA few shots from Seven Barrows this morning. A great job done by all the staff and the gallops men! #snow pic.twitter.com/o8DW3TXYYv— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) February 1, 2019— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) February 1, 2019

3. Minus degrees at Dunlop’s

Lambourn-based Flat trainer Harry Dunlop managed to get his horses out onto the handy trotting ring for a leg stretch despite the inches of snow.

Great effort from all my staff keeping the show on the road in the Snowy conditions Robin of Navan leading the rest of the older horses for a trot pic.twitter.com/GkZ2DvIJeXGreat effort from all my staff keeping the show on the road in the Snowy conditions Robin of Navan leading the rest of the older horses for a trot pic.twitter.com/GkZ2DvIJeX— Harry Dunlop (@HarryDunlop3) February 1, 2019— Harry Dunlop (@HarryDunlop3) February 1, 2019

4. A mountain of snow

The team at Berkshire-based Jo Davis’ put the hard work in to clear the yard of snow, including digging out the horsewalker so that it could be used.

Thank God for my wonderful staff who made it in. #livingthedream #horseracing #horses #racehorses #snow pic.twitter.com/HS9LvNsCWKThank God for my wonderful staff who made it in. #livingthedream #horseracing #horses #racehorses #snow pic.twitter.com/HS9LvNsCWK— Jo Davis (@Jodavis9) February 1, 2019— Jo Davis (@Jodavis9) February 1, 2019

5. Getting to the races

Flat jockey Rob Hornby had to dig himself out of his drive on the morning of Friday 1 February, in order to get to Lingfield Park Racecourse. Even though his remarkable efforts to get there did not yield him a winner, Rob picked up two third placings at the all-weather meeting in Surrey.

“I will get to @LingfieldPark” – @rob_hornby18 dedication! God loves a trier! ? @AtTheRaces pic.twitter.com/VQi10slboO“I will get to @LingfieldPark” – @rob_hornby18 dedication! God loves a trier! ? @AtTheRaces pic.twitter.com/VQi10slboO— Jamie Neild (@_17jn) February 1, 2019— Jamie Neild (@_17jn) February 1, 2019

6. ‘Beautiful but unhelpful’

Point-to-point trainer Francesca Nimmo, who is based near Stratford, takes some very artistic shots in the frozen conditions, crediting James Pritchard and Joe Hutchings for their work throughout the night to ensure the gallops were usable in the morning.

❄️?Beautiful but unhelpful ?❄️
Thanks to James Pritchard and Joe Hutchings for their hours harrowing through the night to keep the gallop in great order pic.twitter.com/7gLurGmbJg❄️?Beautiful but unhelpful ?❄️
Thanks to James Pritchard and Joe Hutchings for their hours harrowing through the night to keep the gallop in great order pic.twitter.com/7gLurGmbJg— francesca nimmo (@francesca_nimmo) January 31, 2019— francesca nimmo (@francesca_nimmo) January 31, 2019

7. What is this white stuff?

Snow hits the historic Bonita Racing Stables in Marlborough, Wiltshire, where National Hunt trainer Emma Lavelle is based, and the team do well to clear the pathways on the yard.

Shiroccan Roll says ‘It’s snow joke’ ☃️?? #TeamLavelle pic.twitter.com/p2Ok2oslBtShiroccan Roll says ‘It’s snow joke’ ☃️?? #TeamLavelle pic.twitter.com/p2Ok2oslBt— Emma Lavelle (@ELavelleracing) February 1, 2019— Emma Lavelle (@ELavelleracing) February 1, 2019

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Paul Nicholls claims tenth King George VI victory with surprise win

Hannah Lemieux — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 18:59:05 +0000

Former champion trainer Paul Nicholls won his tenth 32Red King George VI Chase courtesy of Clan Des Obeaux following a dramatic renewal of the Grade One feature race at Kempton Park on Boxing Day (26 December).

Under young jockey Harry Cobden, enjoying his first win in the big race, the six-year-old son of Kapgarde battled it out with the Colin Tizzard-trained Thistlecrack, the 2016 victor, up the home run.

The pair drew clear of the 2018 Gold Cup winner Native River, who finished third, and 12/1 shot Clan Des Obeaux held on to win by 1½ lengths.

Paul, who won the race five times with Kauto Star and twice apiece with See More Business and Silviniaco Conti, said: “After Haydock [in the Betfair Chase where Clan Des Obeaux finished fourth], I said to Harry ‘What are you going to ride in the King George? You’ve got a headache now’ and he said ‘there is only one horse I am going to ride and that is Clan Des Obeaux, he is on top-class form and he’ll come on’ and Harry was right. You have to have a real stayer to win this race — you look at the horse he’s beaten there [Thistlecrack], that is a serious horse. Haydock did Clan Des Obeaux a lot of good and made a man of him, and Harry gave him a peach of a ride.”

Harry, who is Paul’s number one stable jockey, added: “I’ve grown up watching the King George, and I never thought I would be in the position to ride a winner in it — I’m speechless. I was flat out the whole way; I knew Thistlecrack would tow us down to the last fence. Clan Des Obeaux never does anything in front, so it was a bold decision to hold onto him for as long as possible. When I did say ‘go’ he pricked his ears — it was fantastic.”

Clan Des Obeaux’s stablemate, Politologue, finished eventual fourth in the incident-filled three-mile contest, which saw the Betfair Chase winner Bristol De Mai and Waiting Patiently crash out just before heading onto the second circuit.

Coneygree set the pace from the outset but blundered and unseated his jockey Sean Bowen two out, while the favourite Might Bite ran disappointingly, weakening three out to finish eventual seventh. His trainer, Nicky Henderson, revealed afterwards that the 2017 winner had indeed bled and was being treated by the vets.

There was upset in the Grade One Unibet Christmas Hurdle, when the Nicky Henderson-trained Verdana Blue beat her stablemate, the dual champion hurdler Buveur D’Air.

The short-priced favourite, who runs in the famous green and gold silks of JP McManus, was shaken up before the last by Barry Geraghty, before being caught on the line by Verdana Blue, under Nico de Boinville, in a photo finish.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine — out every Thursday.

The National Hunt season is here! 7 horses to keep on your radar this jump season

Hannah Lemieux — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 12:24:01 +0000

If you’re as exhilarated about the new jump season kicking off as we are, you will be on the hunt for some exciting horses to watch over the next six months. Well, here is a selection of very promising horses — perhaps the next big stars of the game — who need to be on your radar this winter...

Lalor

The six-year-old son of It’s Gino enjoyed three wins when trained by the late Richard Woollacott. Now trained by his wife, Kayley, the gelding produced an emotional victory for the Woollacott yard when winning the Grade One Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April.

Due to the recent dry ground, Lalor hasn’t ben out yet, and Kayley revealed in her recent Betway blog that the horse will be aimed at Cheltenham on Sunday, 18 November.

“We’re now planning to go to the Racing Post Arkle Trial at Cheltenham. It will be good to give him a sight of the Cheltenham fences, although obviously we would have liked to have got a run into him first,” she wrote.

“A race like the Arkle in March is an obvious target, although we may decide nearer the time to focus on Aintree — where he’s won for the past two years. He’s a really exciting horse and we can’t wait to get him going over fences.”

Laurina

The talented five-year-old mare, by Spanish Moon, is trained by Willie Mullins in Ireland.

Her total earnings to date have amassed £131,255 and she only started her racing career in April 2017.

Last season was her first in the Mullins yard, having come over from France where Guillaume Macaire trained her, and impressively she won all of her four starts for the Irish trainer. These wins included the Grade Two Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March and the Grade One Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse, both under Paul Townend.

From six racecourse starts, the Sullivan Bloodstock-owned mare has posted four wins, a second place, and a fall on her debut in France.

Laurina under Paul Townend. (Image credit: PA Archive/PA Images)

Verdana Blue

Another talented mare to keep an eye on this season. The six-year-old daughter of Getaway is trained by the champion trainer, Nicky Henderson, in Lambourn.

She kicked off her 2018/19 campaign with a win on the all-weather at Chelmsford in September, before Nico de Boinville steered her to victory at Kempton in the Listed Matchbook VIP Hurdle in October. She beat the Paul Nicholls-trained Old Guard decisively by seven lengths.

Politologue

Featured in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound (1 November), Politologue already has two Grade One and three Grade Two victories tucked under his belt, aged just seven.

Trained in Ditcheat by Paul Nicholls, the grey gelding’s two Grade One wins came last season; in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown and in his final run of the season, the JLT Melling Chase at Aintree.

He has already won a tidy £454,457 for his connections.

His owner, John Hales told H&H he bought the gelding “by accident” after the horse won at Auteuil in France.

“He’s not fulfilled everything yet and we’re aiming him at the King George on Boxing Day,” said John. “He’s the best natural jumper we’ve had. He has pace, power and jumping ability — he’s a tremendous athlete.”

Politologue on his way to winning under Sam Twiston-Davies. (Image credit: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Presenting Percy

Last season, the seven-year-old gelding was not out of the top three in his six starts for Irish trainer Patrick Kelly — four of which were winning runs under his regular jockey Davy Russell.

The son of Sir Percy, who is owned by Philip Reynolds, has won a total of £258,466 in prize money to date.

His biggest wins last season came in the Grade Two John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park, before claiming the Grade One RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Footpad

Another to emerge from the Willie Mullins yard, the six-year-old son of Creachadoir won all of his five starts last season for his on-fire owners, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.

He justified favouritism in all five of those runs — four of which were Grade Ones — and has amassed a tidy pot of £583,359 for connections.

This side of the Irish Sea, Footpad won the Grade One Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase under Ruby Walsh at the Festival in March.

Footpad and Ruby Walsh win the Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Festival. (Image credit: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Kalashnikov

The five-year-old son of Kalanisi, who is trained by young handler Amy Murphy, impressively has not been outside the top two in any of his six career starts — a pretty flawless form to date.

Under his regular jockey Jack Quinlan, the gelding enjoyed his best wins last season in the Grade Three Betfair Hurdle, before going on to take Grade One glory in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival.

He has won a total prize fund of £137,691 for owner Paul Murphy.

Check out our National Hunt special in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound (1 November). For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss the weekly magazine — on sale every Thursday.

How former H&H cover star has transformed from successful racehorse to team chaser

Hannah Lemieux — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 11:07:08 +0000

The former Paul Nicholls-trained Saphir Du Rheu, who was H&H’s 2015 National Hunt special cover star, has successfully taken to post-racing life under new rider Charlotte Alexander.

The nine-year-old, who was previously owned by the Stewart family, was gifted to Charlotte on his retirement from the racetrack in March this year, and it appears he has taken to team chasing like a duck to water.

The eye-catching grey gelding finished second with team Another Boring Goring under Charlotte in the novice class at the recent Belvoir team chase in Leicestershire.

“It was his first team chase and he loved it — he did so well and was just unbelievable,” said Charlotte, who lost her stable star Silviniaco Conti, the dual King George VI winner for Paul Nicholls, earlier this year.

“Paul rang me and told me he had the perfect horse for me, but I said nothing could compare to Silvi, who I had just lost. But he persuaded me and ‘Saffi’ arrived at my yard in April.”

So what is involved in retraining a racehorse?

“First of all, I turned him out in the field for a few weeks, so he could relax and he was really chilled,” explained Charlotte. “When I got him back into work, I started by just hacking him round the farm and getting him used to opening and closing gates. Racehorses are very used to a routine, so it was case of getting him used to new things.

“Even though he is nine years old, I have to think of him as a four-year-old and you always have to when retraining racehorses, because they know very little when it comes to flatwork. The first thing I did was getting Saffi working forward and off my leg.”

Charlotte has her sights set on eventing Saffi eventually and is already impressed with his attitude and way of going.

“He is so naturally balanced and athletic, I think he will make a smashing eventer and I would love to one day do a one-star with him or perhaps even go higher up the levels,” she said.

Regular lessons with Brian Hutton at Talland are paying off for the pair and Saffi is already doing BE100 tests with ease.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Newbury Racecourse)

Happy retirement for Denman as Silviniaco Conti starts new career

Denman has returned home to start his full retirement, while fellow racing hero Silviniaco Conti moves to Charlotte Alexander's yard

(Image credit: Newbury Racecourse)

Denman starts his new career as a hunter and team chaser

The 2008 Gold Cup winner is off to begin his new career as a hunter and team chaser in the

(Image credit: Newbury Racecourse)

Denman and Big Buck’s take to the hunting field together

Two of the greatest ever National Hunt stars returned to Paul Nicholls' stable yesterday for a day's hunting

“With the flatwork, I had to go right back to the basics, but he got it straight away and finds it all so easy — he is doing shoulder-in now.

“He is obviously green, but he is not spooky. He went straight into the water when I took him cross-country schooling and popped the corner, which is amazing considering he’d never seen anything like that before. He is also jumping coloured poles and water trays without any problems. He is so sweet-natured and honest,” she said.

“He has a great head on him — at his first team chase he was very chilled and didn’t get wound up beforehand at all, and I rode him in a snaffle bit. He was a complete gentleman the whole way round.

“My plan is to hunt him this winter, team chase in the spring and then go eventing next summer all being well.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Denman in pictures: farewell to a National Hunt hero

Hannah Lemieux — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 16:25:06 +0000

This week (5 June 2018) we said goodbye to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and crowd favourite Denman, at the age of 18.

He shone on the racecourse when trained by Paul Nicholls and was known at home as “The Tank”.

He had a huge following thanks to his successful racing career, which saw him win 14 of his 24 starts under Rules and earned more than £1m in prize money. Most notably, were his victories in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup, plus two wins in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in 2007 and 2009.

He was also triumphant in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in and the RSA Chase at the Festival in 2007 — both ridden by Ruby Walsh.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls described him as a “magic horse, who had a tremendous following because of the wholehearted way he went about his racing”.

After his racing career, Denman went to the yard of Charlotte Alexander, who retrained him to enjoy hunting and team chasing until he was retired fully to live at owner Paul Barber’s Ditcheat farm in 2017.

Here’s a selection of some of our favourite memories of this much-loved horse…

1. Ruby Walsh steers Denman to victory in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in 2007

2. Denman (right, under Sam Thomas) and his stablemate Kauto Star (Ruby Walsh) take a look at the first fence ahead of the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup

CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Kauto Star and Ruby Walsh (left) with Denman and Sam Thomas looking at the first fence before the start of The totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 14, 2008 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) (Image credit: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

3. Known as ‘The Tank’ at home, Denman denied Kauto Star three successive Cheltenham Gold Cups by winning the big race in 2008 — giving his jockey, Sam Thomas, his finest moment in the saddle

denman and ruby walsh (Image credit: www.trevor-meeks-photography.co.uk)

4. Denman, under Ruby Walsh, wins the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury

NEWBURY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Ruby Walsh and Denman clear the water jump before going on to win The Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup Steeple chase Race run at Newbury Racecourse on November 28, 2009 in Newbury, England. (Photo by Julian Herbert/Getty Images) (Image credit: Julian Herbert/Getty Images)

5. Ditcheat trainer Paul Nicholls with his two former stable stars Denman (right) and Kauto Star (left) ahead of the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup, in which Denman finished second

(Image credit: Photo by Hugh Routledge/REX/Shutterstock)

6. Denman enjoyed his “retirement” team chasing under Charlotte Alexander — here finishing second as part of Team Ride Away in the intermediate class at Pytchley team chase in 2015

Denman and Charlotte Alexander jumping to his first Rosset by finishing second in Team Ride-Away 3 (Image credit: Paul Carley)

7. Following a fun-filled post-racing career team chasing, Denman returned to his owner Paul Barber’s Ditcheat farm in 2017 for his full retirement

Denman and Chalotte Alexander (Image credit: Paul Carley)

8. Hedge-hopping: Denman also enjoyed his hunting after being retired from the racetrack — pictured here out with the Bicester with Whaddon Chase

(Image credit: Louisa Purvis Photography)

9. Denman and Charlotte Alexander parade in front of racing fans at the 2015 Cheltenham Festival

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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10. Denman enjoys a gallop in front of the Newbury stands ahead of the 2015 Hennessey Gold Cup

Newbury Racecourse (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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Tributes paid to Silviniaco Conti after loss of National Hunt star

Lucy Elder — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 11:34:25 +0000

Tributes have been paid to National Hunt star Silviniaco Conti, who died following a team chasing accident.

Silviniaco Conti was enjoying an active retirement of team chasing and hunting after bowing out of his racing career in 2017.

The two-time King George VI winner had fallen at a fence towards the end of the course in the national championship class at the Fernie Team Chase on 8 April, but got up and appeared fine. He was taken to the vet the following morning to be checked over and was expected to make a full recovery, but sadly died on Monday afternoon.

Formerly trained by Paul Nicholls, the popular chestnut gelding had been with Charlotte Alexander since his retirement from racing — taking to his new career with enthusiasm.

RIP SIlviniaco Conti the most wonderful horse. So balanced, athletic, brave and such a bonny chap. Much loved by everyone. He had huge talent and loved life (and polos). He leaves a huge hole in our lives. Devastated. pic.twitter.com/EU3T85PS0QRIP SIlviniaco Conti the most wonderful horse. So balanced, athletic, brave and such a bonny chap. Much loved by everyone. He had huge talent and loved life (and polos). He leaves a huge hole in our lives. Devastated. pic.twitter.com/EU3T85PS0Q— Denman (@denmanthelegend) April 9, 2018— Denman (@denmanthelegend) April 9, 2018

He had a holiday in the field before being brought back into work last summer to start his retraining.

Charlotte, who rode Denman during his happy retirement of hunting, eventing and team chasing, worked with Brian Hutton at Talland and eventer Dan Bizzaro at Lyneham Heath on Silviniaco Conti’s retraining.

He had excelled in his training, enjoying cross-country schooling, and started team chasing in the autumn of 2017 before spending time on the hunting field over the winter.

“Silviniaco Conti was the most athletic, balanced and scopey horse,” Charlotte told H&H.

“He was a very quick learner and within the year that I had him he had gone from novice to open team chasing with such ease, had won prize money show jumping and was about to start British Eventing.”

She added he would have progressed through the eventing grades “very quickly”.

“It is not often a racehorse progresses so quickly in other disciplines, usually it can take a good two years, but Silviniaco Conti’s enthusiasm for life and wanting to learn and get on and do things made the transition so easy.

“He absolutely loved hunting and hunted mainly with the Beaufort — he was perfectly behaved and mannerly.

“His other talent was being brilliant at rounding up the sheep, which he did with such enthusiasm. He loved whipping them in and was skipping around like a polo pony, often seeing what he had to do before I asked him.

“He was a delight to look after and loved his polos and cuddles.

“Conti has left a huge hole, he was much loved at Paul’s and with me and will be much missed.”

Paul announced the sad news on his Betfair blog last night (9 April).

“I am really upset to report that Silviniaco Conti has died following an accident while team chasing on Sunday,” said Paul.

“He was a brilliant horse with great scope and won seven Grade One chases for us including the King George VI in successive years and also six Grade Two chases.

“Conti was a classy chaser who was at the top for six years and took over the mantle as stable star following the retirements of Kauto Star, Denman, Master Minded and Big Buck’s.

“He won over £1.152 million in prize money for his owners Chris Giles and Sullivan Bloodstock before enjoying his new life in retirement with Charlotte Alexander near Stow in the Wold over the past year.

“The initial diagnosis at the vets on Monday suggested he would be fine, but unfortunately he took a turn for the worse and died early this afternoon.”

Silviniaco Conti after winning the 2014 King George VI Chase (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Paul’s assistant trainer Harry Derham also paid tribute.

“As tough and classy a horse as I’ve ever had the pleasure to know,” he said.

“He provided us with so many special days, including seven Grade Ones.

“Thank you so much for all you gave us Conti. May you sleep well and rest in peace.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

National Hunt star Silviniaco Conti wins first rosette in new career

Lucy Elder — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 13:41:06 +0000

Silviniaco Conti has won his first rosette in his new career after retiring from racing.

The National Hunt star enjoyed a spin round the novice class at the Belvoir Team Chase on 10 September with his new rider, Charlotte Alexander, and finished second with Team Rideaway.

Charlotte, who partnered Denman during his post-racing career of hunting, team chasing and eventing, told H&H Silviniaco Conti was “lovely”.

Silviniaco Conti's first rosette, 2nd in Novice at Belvoir. Thanks to Brian's help @TallandSofE. SC very pleased with himself. pic.twitter.com/wiCcour8gBSilviniaco Conti's first rosette, 2nd in Novice at Belvoir. Thanks to Brian's help @TallandSofE. SC very pleased with himself. pic.twitter.com/wiCcour8gB— Denman (@denmanthelegend) September 11, 2017— Denman (@denmanthelegend) September 11, 2017

“I’m gently introducing him to team chasing,” she said.

“He is very honest and very genuine. At the moment we are in the early stages and he couldn’t quite work out what it was about!”

She added Conti was “so good” in the collecting ring and behaved beautifully while standing on the trailer, being tacked up and having his studs put in.

Charlotte plans to run him at the Atherstone this weekend (17 September) and is aiming to try some eventing and hunting with him in time.

“He will tell me what he wants to do, like Denman did,” she added.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The multiple Grade One-winning steeplechaser, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls, ran for the final time at Aintree in the Betway Bowl on 6 April and was retired from the track the same day.

Charlotte has also taken on Ulck Du Lin, who was also trained by Paul and retired from racing in April.

Article continues below…

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(Image credit: Newbury Racecourse)

Silviniaco Conti wins the King George for a second time

Silviniaco Conti wins a second King George, securing

(Image credit: Newbury Racecourse)

Happy retirement for Denman as Silviniaco Conti starts new career

Denman has returned home to start his full

(Image credit: Newbury Racecourse)

Denman and Big Buck’s take to the hunting field together

Two of the greatest ever National Hunt stars

Both enjoyed time off in the field and were brought back into work over the summer.

Charlotte has been working with Brian Hutton on their retraining and they have taken the horses right “back to basics”.

She added that she has also been spending time cross-country training at Lyneham Heath, working on accuracy and building a partnership.

“It isn’t about speed at the moment — it is about training, confidence, having a nice time and everything being easy for them,” she said.

“They love being in a herd — hearing the tannoy they are on their toes and just love the buzz, the attention and being admired.

“They know they are special.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Happy retirement for Denman as Silviniaco Conti starts new career

Lucy Elder — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 17:36:03 +0000

National Hunt hero Denman has started his full retirement after enjoying a fun-filled post-racing career.

The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls, ended his career on the track in 2011 after winning 14 of his 24 starts.

He moved to Charlotte Alexander’s yard in 2012, where she retrained him to enjoy hunting, team chasing and grassroots eventing.

The 17-year-old, whose real birthday* is today (17 April), went home to owner Paul Barber’s Ditcheat farm last week where he will be looking after the young horses out in the field.

Happy Birthday to me ????? pic.twitter.com/uhI3wc4XBKHappy Birthday to me ????? pic.twitter.com/uhI3wc4XBK— Denman (@denmanthelegend) April 17, 2017— Denman (@denmanthelegend) April 17, 2017

“He will never want for anything,” Charlotte told H&H, adding that Paul’s head lad Clifford Baker has a view from his window over Denman’s new field.

“He will have the best possible care.”

Known as “The Tank”, the popular chaser excelled in his new life off the track.

“He has just been the most fabulous hunter,” said Charlotte.

“He was absolutely incredible. His jumping just went from strength to strength — Brian Hutton at Talland helped me hugely with that.

“He is marvellous — such a gentleman and he oozed quality when you rode him.”

A few tears yes but I have more grass and friends than I can ever wish for. A new chapter in my life living next to Paul Barber. pic.twitter.com/lYcGwNPyPgA few tears yes but I have more grass and friends than I can ever wish for. A new chapter in my life living next to Paul Barber. pic.twitter.com/lYcGwNPyPg— Denman (@denmanthelegend) April 14, 2017— Denman (@denmanthelegend) April 14, 2017

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(Image credit: Newbury Racecourse)

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Silviniaco Conti wins the King George for a second time

Silviniaco Conti wins a second King George, securing

The son of Presenting also made numerous appearances in Retraining of Racehorses parades at major fixtures, most recently visiting the 2017 Cheltenham Festival and Grand National meeting.

As Denman starts the new phase of his life, so too does long-serving National Hunt hero Silviniaco Conti, who arrived at Charlotte’s yard three days ago.

Silviniaco Conti you show off. Leading as usual. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/tHD8ojmRcwSilviniaco Conti you show off. Leading as usual. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/tHD8ojmRcw— Denman (@denmanthelegend) April 14, 2017— Denman (@denmanthelegend) April 14, 2017

The seven-time Grade One winner, who was also in training with Paul, ran his final race at Aintree on 6 April and was retired from the track the same day.

“He is out with my other horses in the field and having a holiday,” said Charlotte.

“He looks amazing — Paul looks after his horses so well, he looks an absolute picture.”

She added the plan is to take him hunting, which they already know he enjoys, team chasing and potentially some eventing.

“Whatever suits him — he will tell me what he wants to do,” said Charlotte.

Everybody's just got used to pronouncing my name right and then they retire me…Oh well happy days…Neigh! pic.twitter.com/GXbm7Vd3phEverybody's just got used to pronouncing my name right and then they retire me…Oh well happy days…Neigh! pic.twitter.com/GXbm7Vd3ph— Silviniaco Conti (@silviniaco) April 9, 2017— Silviniaco Conti (@silviniaco) April 9, 2017

*All thoroughbreds’ official birthdays are 1 January.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls in pics (like you might not have seen him before…)

Madeleine Silver — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 08:05:14 +0000

To celebrate trainer Paul Nicholls' birthday today (17 April), we've dug deep into the archives to remember some of the big moments from his career. No tweed coat with a velvet collar? Slim fitting breeches? Yes, those early photos really are him...

‘He’s been a great horse’: Dan Skelton’s stable star retires

Hannah Lemieux — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 12:10:04 +0000

Al Ferof, who ran in the famous yellow silks of owner John Hales, has been retired from the racecourse after picking up a leg injury.

The 11-year-old gelding won more than £500,000 in prize-money during his career and defeated Cue Card and Sprinter Sacre in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2011.

The popular grey was trained by Paul Nicholls before moving to the trainer’s former assistant Dan Skelton last year.

Having won the 2015 Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon, Al Ferof was being targeted at the race again this year before sustaining a minor tendon injury.

“Today was a sad day as the yard star Al Ferof has been retired. He unfortunately sustained a minor injury which given his age means he has run his last race. It was highly likely his run to defend the Peterborough Chase was to be his last but it was not to be,” Dan posted on Facebook on Wednesday (12 October).

“The injury is a small tear to his flexor tendon, otherwise known as a ‘leg’, but it’s a very small tear and he’s not in any pain or has been lame at all.

“He’s been a great horse for the Hales family over the years, for Nicholls’ team and last year for us — he’s certainly going to be missed. We consider ourselves lucky to have had such a horse and we all wish him well for the future, he’s got plenty more fun days ahead of him.”

Continued below…

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Neptune Collonges trots into Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

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Al Ferof will begin his retirement at the home of Lisa Hales alongside Grand National victor Neptune Collonges — he’ll enjoy a rest until spring before his ‘next chapter’ is decided.

As well as his victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, he also won two Amlin Chases at Ascot and the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in 2012.

Half-naked jockeys, a sauna and energy drinks — behind the scenes at Wincanton racecourse

Hannah Lemieux — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:32:28 +0000

From a canteen in the changing room to surviving a deluge of rain on course, H&H's Hannah Lemieux spends the day at Wincanton racecourse and discovers all the action behind the scenes

With attendance at racecourses breaking the six million barrier last year, record number of people are enjoying days at the races. But not many will know what goes on behind the scenes and what it takes for a raceday to run smoothly.

Ahead of Wincanton’s Kingwell Hurdle Day (20 February), I join the team at the Somerset track during a weekday meeting and find out what really goes on — both in the depths of a racecourse weighing room and out on the course.

Wincanton racecourse is popular not only with spectators in the south-west but also the area’s top trainers including champion trainer Paul Nicholls and Colin Tizzard. The number of racedays has increased to 16 meetings over the years — all held between October and May, meaning it is now a busy period for the team who make the racedays happen.

Breakfast time

The day begins with a tasty cooked breakfast courtesy of Anita Buckling, who also oversees the jockeys’ canteen too. I join clerk of the course, Barry Johnson, over breakfast as we get fuelled up for the day.

Wincanton has been one of the more fortunate racecourses to have survived a recent deluge of rain. Barry was out on the course at 7am and has given the raceday the green light.

“Today we have survived the bad weather and there is no waterlogging. Other racecourses have not been so lucky,” says Barry, who has been at Wincanton for eight years but is also clerk of the course at Exeter racecourse — having worked his ways up the ranks there for 35 years.

“Today two fences have been taken out because of a boggy patches around the course. We have a weather station and the rain is measured at specific points around the course so we know exactly how much rainfall there has been,” he adds.

“Our big days at Wincanton include Boxing Day and the Kingwell Hurdle but I treat every raceday the same. The priority is always to make sure the course is safe for both horse and jockey.”

Setting up

By 9am preparations are well under way at the racecourse, as people busily go about setting up for the day before gates open at 11.30am.

Today in the Kingwell restaurant, which overlooks the paddock, there are 55 booked for lunch — many of whom are annual members. On a big raceday the room can hold up to 150 people. There are also 13 private boxes in total.

Not for the faint-hearted

Huw Williams, the racecourse general manager, briefs the stewards who will be manning the gates and entrances.

“There has been four millimetres of rain in 48 hours and the going on the track is not for the faint-hearted,” he tells them. “Today we have 53 runners and 2,000 racegoers are expected.”

At 11.30am, I join Barry on a coursewalk with head groundsman James Martin, Richard Linley, the senior inspector of courses for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the racecourse chairman Jo Hepburn (pictured below).

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It is a miracle the course has survived the recent rainfall and the chase fences have been moved to the left by four yards — so the course runs on fresh ground from the previous raceday.

“Patchy ground is the worse type of ground to have, which is why we have decided to omit two fences because of the boggy patches,” explains Barry. “It is worse for horses to go from soft ground to even softer ground and then back on soft ground.”

James and his team of groundsmen have been busy during the week building up to the raceday doing final preparations to the track — levelling it out using a soil and sand mixture and also adding more spruce to the chase fences to bulk them up. They have been doing everything within their powers so today can go ahead and make sure it is safe for both horse and jockey.

“You can never beat nature, you just have to find a way to work with it,” says Richard Linley.

Barry tells me that the hurdle track also gets fresh ground, every two meetings. The upheaval of these substantial fences takes a whole day.

Half-naked jockeys

Back in the warmth and dry of the weighing room, Barry gives me a tour of all the areas where the real behind-the-scenes action happens.

The entrance of the weighing room is where the scales, for weighing-out and weighing-in, are located. Although now updated with an electric one, the traditional one still remains and has been known to come in handy during a power cut on raceday. Feeling paticularly brave I have a sit on them myself (pictured top).

One of the first things the trainers do when they arrive is head to ‘Declarations’ where they declare their runners for the day (pictured below).

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I have a quick peak inside the jockey changing room before it is filled with around 30 half-naked jockeys. There are two — one for the lady jockeys and another for the men, the latter is considerably larger (pictured below).

The valets, who are responsible for cleaning all the gear and ensuring the jockeys’ equipment is transported between racecourses, arrive at about 10am. They start setting up and putting the correct saddles and gear on the right jockey’s peg.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

There is also a washroom, a shower room and sauna. In the corner of the changing room is a small canteen. Spencer is in charge of keeping the jockeys fuelled today. He has come to know what the jockeys like to eat and drink including chicken wraps, fruit, sweets and energy drinks.

Outside the changing room, there is a magnetic map of the racecourse outlining where each fence is and where the rails are placed. This is updated on raceday by Barry and means the jockeys can see where both the hurdle and chase tracks run — as a number won’t walk the course.

Adjacent is the ‘Medical room’. The doctor and a nurse arrive 90 minutes before the first race. If a jockey has a fall, they must be checked over by the doctor and be signed off on the database, which is kept by the BHA.

Barry also shows me into the ‘Stewards room’, this is where all the decisions are made. There are two BHA stewards on raceday called stipendiary stewards, as well as two voluntary stewards who are not from the BHA. The “stipe” stewards’ role is to interpret the BHA rules for the voluntary stewards.

If an issue comes before the stewards, all the stewards will discuss the issue before the voluntary stewards relay the information to the jockeys involved.

In the stewards room there are four TV screens, showing different angles including head on, side and rear view.

The jockeys will be called into the Stewards room and the incident will be watched on TV and discussed. The jockeys then leave before a decision is made and the jockeys are informed.

Best turned out

The first race kicks off at 1.30pm and runners start to come into the paddock ahead of it.

TV presenter Luke Harvey hands me an envelope containing £50 and asks if I want to choose the best turned out. I don’t have long to choose as the bell goes for the jockeys to get on — it is not an easy task for someone indecisive like me, but in the end I opt for a handsome bay horse with an immaculately plaited tail. I hand over the envelope to the winning stable lass.

At the start

For the following race, I pile into a car with today’s starters, Simon McNeil and Will Jordan as we drive down to the start.

Today Will is starting and Simon is ‘whipping-in’ — standing behind with a whip to encourage any tricky horses to jump off.

As the horses arrive at the start, Simon and Will check girths (pictured below) and equipment, before horses and jockeys walk into start — it is now a requirement that jockeys walk their horses in towards the starting tape.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

During each race, a vet, doctor, ambulance and the grounds team truck all follow the runners on the inside of the course. In the back of the latter are screens incase there is a fallen horse or jockey who need privacy. There is also equipment should a fence need quickly repairing. The grounds team are also on hand to catch any loose horses on the course.

An important role

Clerk of the scales, Graham Ford, invites me to join him at the table (pictured below) in front of the scales, where I watch him do the important job of weighing-out and in the jockeys. His role is to make sure they are riding at the required weight for the race.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Each race has a speadsheet that Graham updates and this is sent to the BHA and the handicappers also have access to the documents.

“Jockeys can weigh-in [after a race] up to and including 1Ib lighter than they weighed out, and they can weigh-in up to 2Ib heavier than they weighed out — they are the allowances,” Graham explains.

During the raceday Graham will decide how many jockeys need to weigh in after a race.

“Some races it will just be the placed jockeys that need to weigh-in but there has to be one ‘all weigh-in’ per day. The jockeys get told on the door if this is the case and whether they need to weigh in.”

The weighing has to be accurate. The jockeys get a 2Ib allowance for the body protector but in jumping — particularly in heavy going — one pound can be the difference between winning and losing.

“It is not that unusual for jockeys to have to declare overweight, it probably happens a couple of times a week,” adds Graham.

The final decision

For the final race, I venture up to the ‘Judge’s box’ with today’s judge Guy Lewis (pictured below). There are two screens for Guy to watch on, while a colleague upstairs swiftly provides him with the photo finish picture if required.

Upstairs there are two cameras, one films the nearside action and the other films the reflection off a mirror — that is placed on the far side of the finishing line and captures the far side action. It means Guy can see both angles of a finish. He will then announce the result over the racecourse tannoy.

Guy has the final decision when it comes to final placings but connections and jockeys can appeal that decision.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

With the last race done and dusted and all the horses and jockeys back in one piece, the packing up and clearing commences for the hard-working Wincanton team. It has been a long day but very enjoyable.

I have been given a fortunate insight into the side of racing few spectators get to see. With this raceday finished and a success, the following morning all eyes will turn to their next big raceday and preparations will begin all over again.

The first race for the Kingwell Hurdle Day this Saturday (20 February 2016) is at 1.40pm

Victoria Pendleton eyes first Hunter Chase on journey to Cheltenham

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:55:52 +0000

Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton is to take part in her first Hunter Chase this month, as she moves a step closer to competing in the Cheltenham Foxhunter.

Victoria has been riding in point-to-points this season and is now aiming at the 3m race at Fakenham on Friday 19 February.

Victoria, who retired from competitive cycling after London 2012, was set the challenge by Betfair last year to start riding and secure an amateur jockeys licence.

Having never sat on a horse before, the ultimate aim is for Victoria to take part in the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham.

Victoria will be riding Pacha Du Polder, a former charge of champion trainer Paul Nicholls, at Fakenham.

“Should Victoria reach Cheltenham, her and Pacha Du Polder are more than capable of finishing in the first six,” Paul wrote in his Betfair blog.

“Victoria’s improvement since the challenge began is phenomenal.”

Victoria was narrowly denied her first point-to-point victory last month (31 January) when she was beaten by a head.

Victoria and Pacha Du Polder finished second from 12 runners at Milborne St Andrew in Dorset.

Victoria and the nine-year-old gelding, who is owned by the Stewart Family, took up the running with a circuit to go, but was caught on the line by Queens Bay, ridden by Bryony Frost.

“It’s hard to put into words how exciting the race to the line was. I owe a great deal to Pacha Du Polder, he gave me a great ride and it’s been a pleasure to get the chance to sit on a horse of his ability,” said Victoria at the time.

She pulled up in her most recent point-to-point outing, at Wadebridge with Working Title at the weekend, but now is aiming for the Hunter Chase.

“Fakenham is the logical target after their excellent debut together when they failed by inches to land a point-to-point at Milborne St Andrew,” added Paul.

“It is important for Victoria to gain experience in a Hunter Chase before considering a tilt at the ultimate challenge of riding in the Foxhunter at Cheltenham in March.

“Pacha Du Polder is a very classy chaser, a brilliant jumper, travels well in his races, has smart form over Aintree’s National fences and showed he stayed three miles at Milborne St Andrew.”

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“I wanted to be satisfied that Victoria was ready for Hunter Chases and I’d say she passed the examination with flying colours.

“She sits quietly on a horse, is tidy over a fence and unbelievably determined. She she now looks the part when she comes down to Ditcheat to ride on our gallops.”

In setting up the “Switching Saddles” challenge, Betfair wanted to provide an “unexpected and entertaining perspective on horseracing, while also profiling the skills, athleticism and courage faced by jockeys every day”.

Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby retires

Lucy Elder — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 14:55:27 +0000

Former Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby has been retired.

The 10-year-old gelding, trained by Harry Fry, sustained a tendon injury after his win in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot on 21 November.

Harry broke the news about his “horse of a lifetime” on his website on 27 November.

“There were quite a few tears shed by our staff in the tack room this morning when I told them the news,” he said.

“No wonder, because he is a much loved character and a bit of an institution here at Seaborough.”

Rock On Ruby’s owners — The Festival Goers syndicate — have given the horse to Harry’s wife Ciara.

“She will ensure that he remains the elder statesman of the yard for the rest of his life,” he added.

“If he was a younger horse we might have considered treating the injury and bringing him back a year or more later.

“But he would be almost 12 by then, he does not owe us anything and it would not be fair on a horse who has taken us all to the highest peaks of jump racing.”

The horse, by Oscar, will have a break for the rest of the season and a “good summer holiday” before coming back into work next autumn.

There are plans for him to continue leading the string, which he has done for the past six years.

Winner of the 2012 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, while in training with Paul Nicholls, Rock On Ruby has had an impressive career.

Of his 27 starts under Rules, he notched up 12 wins, eight seconds, five thirds. Only once did he finish unplaced.

Rock On Ruby was bred by the O’Dwyer family, who live in Co. Tipperary, Ireland, and was sold at Doncaster sales for £23,000 as a three-year-old.

In his final race on 27 November, he was ridden for the first time by Barry Geraghty and was one of three winners from Harry’s yard that day.

“It is quite fitting that, like a true champion, he bows out at the top of his game,” Harry added.

“What a phenomenal athlete.”

Paul Nicholls reveals his Hennessy Gold Cup memories VIDEO

Hannah Lemieux — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 17:40:54 +0000

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is saddling the strongly fancied Saphir Du Rheu in this year’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury — a race close to the trainer’s heart.

The six-year-old gelding will come up against 16 other rivals on Saturday (28 November) in the three-and-a-quarter mile handicap chase, worth a record £200,000. He will be partnered by Paul’s first jockey Sam Twiston-Davies, under a top weight of 11st 12Ib.

The Somerset-based handler, who has lifted the champion National Hunt trainer title an impressive nine times, has an outstanding association with the Hennessy Gold Cup — both in the saddle and as a trainer.

“To have ridden and trained winners of the Hennessy Gold Cup, I obviously feel very privileged. It’s just amazing really and I never dreamt that would happen — I feel I’ve been incredibly lucky,” says Paul.

Continued below…

(Image credit: RACINGFOTOS.COM)

18 things you might not know about the Hennessy Gold Cup

How many of these facts did you know about the prestigious race?

His first training victory came in 2003 with Strong Flow before the unequalled Denman romped home twice to win in 2007 and 2009.

Paul and his great rival Nicky Henderson hold the record, out of racing’s current trainers, for the most wins in the prestigious race — having notched up three triumphs each. Only the great Fulke Walwyn has won the race more times as a trainer.

Before turning his attention to training, Paul also claimed double victory in the Hennessy as a jockey. First in 1986 riding Broadheath, despite a mistake at the third last where Paul got thrown forward out of the saddle.

“I remember jumping the last and the roar from the crowd was absolutely incredible. To win was phenomenal — I never thought I’d ever be good enough to ride horses like that,” he says.

A year later, he returned to Newbury to take another Hennessy win aboard Playschool in 1987. With fellow jockey-turned-trainer Andy Turnell, the two men are the only two in the race’s history to have won both as a jockey and then as a trainer.

Don’t miss the full report from the Hennessy in the 3 December issue of Horse & Hound magazine

18 things you might not know about the Hennessy Gold Cup

Hannah Lemieux — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 13:05:10 +0000

As the focus turns to Newbury racecourse this week (26-28 November) for the bet365 Festival — featuring the Hennessy Gold Cup — where some of the country’s top jump horses will battle it out, we take a look at the race’s most interesting facts:

1. This year will be the 59th running of the Hennessy Gold Cup.

2. The sponsorship by Hennessy has been passed down through eight generations of the Hennessy family.

3. This year’s three-day Festival has seen an £85,000 increase in total prize-money — the Hennessy Gold Cup is now valued at £200,000.

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A day in the life of champion trainer Paul Nicholls PICTURES

With around 120 horses in residence at Manor Farm Stables in Somerset, it’s a 24-7 job for Champion National Hunt

4. Six new chase fences have been re-built around the course.

5. Newbury racecourse, where the Hennessy is run, is undergoing a facelift next year — to include a new parade ring, saddling-up boxes and a new owners and trainers facility.

6. The Hennessy was first run at Cheltenham in 1957, it moved to Newbury three years later.

7. Hennessy has been associated with the race since it began making it the longest running commercial sponsorship in British racing.

8. There have been three dual winners of the prestigious race — Mandarin (1957 and 1961), Arkle (1964 and 1965) and Denman (2007 and 2009).

9. The most successful trainer of the Hennessy is the late Fulke Walwyn, who notched up seven victories.

10. The late Lord Oaksey has been the only amateur jockey to ever win the race — aboard Taxidermist in 1958.

11. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has both trained and ridden Hennessy winners. He triumphed riding Broadheath (1986) and Playschool (1987), and then went on to train Strong Flow (2003) and Denman (2007 and 2009) to victory.

12. There have been 23 seven-year-old winners, 11 six-year-olds and 11 eight-year-olds.

13. Five greys have been triumphant — Stalbridge Colonist (1966), One Man (1994), Suny Bay (1997), Teeton Mill (1998) and What’s Up Boys (2001).

14. The biggest field came in 1962 when there were 27 runners.

15. The longest-priced winner was Sibton Abbey in 1992 — he was a 40/1 outsider.

16. A total of 30 winners have carried 11-stone or more to victory.

17. Four horses have made the impressive feat of winning both the Hennessy Gold Cup and Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same season — Arkle, Bregawn, Denman and Bobs Worth.

18. Last year’s victor, Many Clouds, is the only horse to have won both the Hennessy and the Grand National in the same season. His owner, Trevor Hemmings, also took the honours in 2005 with Trabolgan.

9 reasons to get excited about the National Hunt season PICTURES

Hannah Lemieux — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 09:05:54 +0000

Dust off your tweed outfits — jump racing is back and in full swing. Here's what not to miss, where to go and who to watch...

1. The return of last season’s stars

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This season sees the return of plenty of exciting horses that were in the spotlight last year. Coneygree, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup as a novice in March, is making his first appearance of the season at Sandown Park on Sunday (8 November). The Grand National-winning gelding Many Clouds, who also took the Hennessy Gold Cup, is back and will be aimed again at this year’s National. Meanwhile dual King George VI victor Silviniaco Conti — who will be aiming at a third win in December — made his seasonal debut last week, finishing second at Wetherby.

2. The arrival of fresh talentWith the arrival of a new season comes the emergence of fresh talent. Keep an eye on trainers Ben Pauling and Harry Whittington — two new trainers going from strength-to-strength. Former assistant to Paul Nicholls, Dan Skelton has now fully established himself as a trainer and has serious horsepower for this season. Champion trainer Paul has also tipped his new conditional jockey Harry Cobden as a rider to keep an eye on this season.

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A day in the life of champion trainer Paul Nicholls PICTURES

With around 120 horses in residence at Manor Farm Stables in Somerset, it’s a 24-7 job for Champion National Hunt

3…. And new equine talent too

We mustn’t forget the equine prospects too — the Ben Pauling-trained Barters Hill won all four bumper starts last season. “He jumps like a stag and appears to have more gears than last year,” said the trainer. Keep your eye on mud-loving Broadway Buffalo, who is trained by David Pipe — he is a potential Grand National horse.

In H&H’s recent National Hunt special issue (5 November) guest editor Paul Nicholls flagged up a future stable star, Aux Ptits Soins. The grey gelding has overcome problems to flourish for Paul and owner John Hales.

4. Must-see meetings

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The racing calendar is packed full of days offering thrilling jump racing action not to be missed — Cheltenham’s The Open meeting (13-15 November) kick starts the flurry of big weekends.

Newbury hosts the popular Hennessy Gold Cup during their bet365 Festival (26-28 November), while racing on Boxing Day is the highlight of Christmas for any racing fan — the King George VI Gold Cup returns to Kempton Park on 26 December. The must-sees in the new year are, of course, the Cheltenham Festival (15-18 March) where the country’s top National Hunt horses will battle it out. Or why not witness the most famous horse race in the world — the Grand National — at Aintree (9 April).

5. Redeveloped Cheltenham

New Cheltenham Grand Stand At Cheltenham 23/10/15Photo John Grossick / Racingfotos.comTHIS IMAGE IS SOURCED FROM AND MUST BE BYLINED "RACINGFOTOS.COM" (Image credit: RACINGFOTOS.COM)

Talking of Cheltenham — the home of National Hunt racing has invested in a £45m redevelopment, including a five-and-a-half-storey grandstand for fans to enjoy. The new building will be officially opened by Princess Anne on 13 November.

6. Wave goodbye to fascinators

Wrap up in style — no fascinators or stilettos here (well, unless you’re attending the Grand National meeting). Going jump racing this season provides the perfect excuse to don the tweed or maybe some faux fur?

7. AP on Channel 4 Racing

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For any fair-weather racegoers out there, Saturday afternoons on the sofa in front of Channel 4 Racing may also sound appealing. Don’t miss AP McCoy joining the presenting team in November.

8. Family fun

Love going racing but not sure what to do with your children? Most racecourses now provide fun family racedays — fairs, pony rides and facepainting — so the younger racegoers are never missing out. If you are yet to get into the festive spirit, don’t miss Sandown Park’s Tingle Creek Festival (5 December) — with its Christmas themes, mince pies and mulled wine you’ll leave feeling festive for sure.

9. The ideal Christmas present

With the countdown to Christmas underway, you may already be thinking of present ideas — have a look at the Injured Jockeys Fund’s new collection of gifts on sale. Perfect presents or stocking fillers and all for a great cause. Also, with some great packages available, tickets to the races will go down a treat.

Don’t miss this week’s National Hunt special of Horse & Hound magazine, guest edited by Paul Nicholls (5 November)

A day in the life of champion trainer Paul Nicholls PICTURES

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 12:55:45 +0000

With around 120 horses in residence at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, it’s a 24-7 job for National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls. H&H visits his Somerset yard to find out what the daily life involves for the champion trainer.

A day at Ditcheat

5.25am: The day starts early for head lad Clifford Baker. “I get to the yard about 5.25 and give every horse two handfuls of hay to start the morning,” he says.

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6am: Paul’s alarm goes off. “I only really sleep four hours a night at most though,” he says. “I’m lucky in that I don’t need much more.”

6.45am: Paul, Clifford and assistant trainer Tom Jonason meet in the office to establish which horses will be doing what in work that day, and who will be riding them. Each day jockeys — including Sam Twiston-Davies, Nick Scholfield, Sean Bowen, Jack Sherwood and Will Biddick — come in to school, as well as Ditcheat’s regular work riders who take the horses on the gallops.

“We keep lists of everything they all do day to day,” says Paul.

But it can be tricky breaking the news about who rides who.

“There are sometimes tears if they are not on their favourites,” he adds.

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8am: First lot of 40 go out. “We have to start quite late around here as we have to fit in with village life,” says Paul. The horses hack about 15 minutes to and from the gallops so have a good warm up and cool down.

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9.15am: The first lot arrives back at the yard and the work riders get ready for second lot. Paul puts in declarations for following day’s runners, which must be done by 10am.

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10am: The second lot heads out. All riders must have a good level of ability to work here, though Paul says getting the staff can be tricky. Each rider does three lots a day.

11.15am: The third and final lot go out. Before they go Paul sorts out the entries, which have to be in by midday.

12.15pm: The morning’s work is done. Horses are washed off and fed and Paul either heads to the races or spends the afternoon watching racing and studying the form.

“Sometimes we have runners at four different racecourses — sometimes in Ireland or France too — so it’s a challenge logistically as well,” he says. “Our travelling head girl Donna Hills has been here for about 16 years so she is vital in this.”

4pm: The horses are checked over by Paul, Tom and Clifford. The feel for heat in the legs and make sure everything is how it should be.

5.30pm: The staff do their final feed and duties and are done for the day.

10pm: Tom or Clifford do final check and give the horses’ their evening hay. “I always say it’s team Ditcheat — you need a great team to make it work,” says Paul.

Don’t miss this week’s 17-page National Hunt special of Horse & Hound magazine, guest edited by Paul Nicholls. We meet Richard Johnson, find out more about the chaser Saphir Du Rheu and look at the ones to watch this season PLUS much more

Paul Nicholls: Fortunate to be doing what we love H&H VIP

Horse & Hound — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 08:55:15 +0000

Being involved in this week’s H&H National Hunt special (out today, 5 November) has been an interesting experience and made a change from the day job. I hope you all enjoy the features we’ve done for you, and that you might pick up some tips for the year ahead.

The 2015/16 season is picking up speed now, and here at Ditcheat we’re really looking forward to it. We’ve had a good start so far, with the best strike rate in October that we’ve ever had.

We have about 30 new horses in training this season, a couple of which have already won, and it’s a really exciting time of year watching the babies start off.

We also have the established raiders including last year’s Champion Chase winner Dodging Bullets and Silviniaco Conti, who we’ll be aiming at the King George. If he wins it will be his third victory in the race and my 10th, which I’d love to do.

I’m also really excited about H&H’s cover star this week, Saphir Du Rheu (pictured, centre), he’s a great chasing prospect and you can learn more about him in the issue.

This is of course the first season in 20 years without AP McCoy riding. The fans will miss him I’m sure, but it also opens things up and makes it a bit more interesting.

Here at Ditcheat we have the best team of jockeys we’ve ever had — Nick Scholfield, Sean Bowen, Harry Cobden all headed up by Sam Twiston-Davies.

Sam will ride plenty of winners I’m sure, but not nearly the number Richard Johnson will if he stays injury free. He’s hugely popular and we’d all love to see him take the championship title after being runner up to AP 16 times.

Obviously it would be fantastic to win the trainer’s championship title again — a 10th — but most of all I enjoy seeing a lovely string in the morning. Racing is a hobby and a business and we’re fortunate to be doing what we love.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 5 November 2015

Champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls guest edits Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:27:58 +0000

As nine-time champion National Hunt trainer, Paul Nicholls is most used to training some of the country’s top racehorses. However, this week Paul took on a challenge of a different kind — taking the helm at Horse & Hound.

The Somerset-based trainer joined the H&H team as guest editor of the 2015 National Hunt special issue — out on Thursday 5 November.

He had a pivotal role in what content was featured in our special issue, ahead of what is brewing up to be a thrilling season of jumps action. He also offered his expert opinion on the subjects included — from the recent stable staff crisis to the secrets of pre-training racehorses.

“Being involved in H&H’s National Hunt special has been an interesting experience and certainly made a change from the day job,” said Paul of his editorial encounter.

“I hope you all enjoy the range of features and interviews we’ve prepared for you and that you might pick up some tips for the season ahead.”

The action-packed 17-page special celebrates the start of this year’s National Hunt season, including a profile on Paul’s exciting prospect Saphir Du Rheu, who is also this week’s cover star.

We speak to jockey Richard Johnson about emerging from AP McCoy’s shadow after 16 years as runner-up in the championship race, and to trainer Nicky Henderson about the horse that he credits for kick-starting his racing career.

Plus don’t miss our jockeys, trainers and horses to keep an eye on this season — a must-read for any racing fan.

H&H’s National Hunt issue, guest edited by Paul Nicholls, is out tomorrow — Thursday, 5 November.

Well-known racing names among the line-up for Shetland pony gold cup

Hannah Lemieux — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 14:00:50 +0000

The next generation of young jockeys is set to take to the turf for the 2015 Shetland pony gold cup at Plumpton racecourse on Monday 19 October.

There will be some familiar racing names lining up during the Sussex venue’s Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre Raceday. The meeting supports the West Sussex-based charity, which re-schools and rehabilitates former racehorses ready for a second career.

Olive Nicholls, the daughter of nine-time champion National Hunt trainer Paul, will don the familiar red, white and black colours of The Stewart Family to partner Little Bucks — in the hope they can emulate his rather bigger namesake. Nine-year-old Olive, whose older half-sister Megan holds an apprentice jockey’s licence, was spotted racing at the Royal Windsor Horse Show earlier this year.

Ben Hemmings, the grandson of three-time winning Grand National owner Trevor, will team up with Mini Clouds. The 12-year-old will wear his grandfather’s green, yellow and white colours. The famous silks were carried to victory at Aintree in 2005 by Hedgehunter, in 2011 by Ballabriggs — and this year by the Oliver Sherwood-trained Many Clouds.

“I’ve taken part in a few of these races but my pony isn’t the fastest — I can’t wait until I’m old enough to ride grandad’s horses,” said Ben.

The daughter of former champion Flat jockey Seb Saunders, 12-year-old Darcey, will be aboard Bankserve Boy for owner Peter Mellett, who is a regular supporter of Plumpton racecourse.

The race, which will take place in front of the grandstand, will go to post at 1.50pm ahead of racing. A total of 18 jockeys and their mini mounts will contest the Andy Stewart Charitable Foundation-sponsored race and will be parading beforehand in the paddock.

The Shetland Grand National is the culmination of the 2015 Shetland Pony racing season and takes place at Olympia, the London International Horse Show, from 15-21 December.

Kauto Star: Paul Nicholls remembers his greatest moments

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 16:42:32 +0000

After winning the hearts of racegoers across the country, fans were devastated to hear that Kauto Star had died earlier this week.

The 15-year-old gelding was one of the most popular and successful racehorses in history.

Trained by Paul Nicholls, Kauto Star won the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice and the King George VI Chase at Kempton a record five times.

He was put down on 29 June, aged 15, after injuring himself in the field.

Paul and head lad Clifford Baker talk to H&H about their memories of Kauto Star.

‘He knew he was a star’

Clifford looked after Kauto for eight years at the yard in Ditcheat, Somerset.

“He was the first horse I’d see when I came to feed them at 5.30am each day,” says Clifford.

“I’d ride him every day, and after all that time you become quite close to them. You’d like to think they go on forever but they don’t.

“Kauto was such a character, everyone liked him he was very, very friendly. He loved the camera and was a fan of carrots and polos. He always sharp, mind, he hated traffic. He was sharp to ride and that is why he was as good as he was.

“He lived in the first box and always stuck his head over the door with his ears pricked every time anyone came on the yard.

“It was a pleasure to be part of the whole experience, the public loved him. I always made sure people could have their photos with him, he was good for us, and for racing. There must be thousands of people with pictures with Kauto.

“He knew he was a star.”

Two Gold Cups

“He was just brilliant,” says Paul. “When he won his first Gold Cup (in 2007) after an amazing season we couldn’t believe it.

“When he won the second one (in 2009), after having lost it to his stablemate and great rival Denman the year before, it was very, very special. It was the pinnacle of his career.”

Five King Georges

In 2011 Kauto Star broke the record set by legendary grey Desert Orchid, taking his fifth King George title.

The 11-year-old Kauto Star thrilled the huge Boxing Day crowd at Kempton with a magnificent display of jumping to win under Ruby Walsh.

The French-bred gelding had lost his Christmas crown to Long Run the year before, but, despite being five years older than Long Run, Kauto Star held him off by a length on this occasion.

“It was awesome,” says Paul.

A fourth Betfair Chase

On 19 November 2011 Kauto arrived at Haydock to great anticipation. Many thought he was passed his best but he proved naysayers wrong.

“He’d had three ordinary runs before that, so I really put my head on the block and went for it, I knew he could do it,” says Paul. “People had written him off, but he won very convincingly. There were so many people there to see him, they were even clapping him in the paddock before he won. I’ll never forget that day.”

Kauto Star made all the running under Ruby Walsh and jumped in style, out-performing the favourite – and the then Gold Cup champion – Long Run.

The race was won in record time, and was an emotional day for racing fans.

Kauto won his fourth Betfair Chase by eight lengths and the popular horse entered the winners’ enclosure to defeaning applause and spontaneous “three cheers for Kauto”.

A genuine horse

“Although it’s not a nice memory, I’ll always remember when he fell schooling before the Gold Cup in 2012. It was a horrific fall, he certainly used up one of his lives there,” says Paul.

The horse was pulled up in the race and subsequently retired.

“He was so genuine though, he’d do anything for you,” adds Paul.

“There was just something about him, he was like your best mate. He’d always neigh at you and he’d watch every car in and out of the yard. He was different from his pal Denman who’d have your arm off! To look out of the office every day and see them was amazing.”