Leading owner Johnny de la Hey has removed all horses from Paul Nicholls, marking a significant shift in their long-standing partnership. This decision affects 11 horses that had been under Nicholls’ care for years.
The De La Heys had nearly all their jumps horses with Nicholls since the 2009-10 season. Their collaboration yielded impressive results, including a remarkable 123 jumps winners from 652 runners, achieving a 19 percent strike rate. Notably, Cyrname won the Ascot Chase in 2019 by an astonishing 17 lengths.
Now, the immediate aftermath of this split sees seven horses transitioning to Dan Skelton, while four will be divided between Jamie Snowden and Chris Gordon. Nicholls expressed disappointment over losing these horses, stating, “It’s disappointing after all the success we have had together.” He also reflected on the emotional toll of such changes: “I’ve never had to deal with that in my career and I did find it hard – you start asking yourself what you’re doing wrong.”
The impact of this decision isn’t just personal; it raises questions about the stability of racing partnerships in jumps racing. Experts suggest that high-profile owners shifting their horses can significantly alter the competitive landscape. In recent times, Nicholls has faced multiple high-profile owners moving their horses away, indicating a potential trend.
The De La Heys have enjoyed substantial success with Nicholls — amassing over £3 million in prize-money during their tenure. However, Old Park Star and Kabral Du Mathan both found success after leaving Nicholls, winning prestigious races like the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Relkeel Hurdle respectively.