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

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Paul Nicholls flood: National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls poses alongside Cyrname during a stable visit at Manor Farm Stables ahead of the Betfair Ascot Chase meeting on February 10, 2020 in Ditcheat, Somerset. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
DITCHEAT, SOMERSET - FEBRUARY 10: National hunt trainer Paul Nicholls poses alongside Cyrname during a stable visit at Manor Farm Stables ahead of the Betfair Ascot Chase meeting on February 10, 2020 in Ditcheat, Somerset. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

Gemma Redrup
Gemma Redrup
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.