Paul nicholls stable news

Leading owner Johnny de la Hey has removed all 11 horses from Paul Nicholls’ stable, marking a significant shift in their long-standing partnership. This decision ends a collaboration that has flourished since the 2009-10 season.

Before this development, the De La Heys had nearly all their jumps horses with Nicholls, achieving notable success. They secured 123 jumps winners from 652 runners, resulting in an impressive 19 percent strike rate. Their partnership yielded a total of £3,754,638 in prize-money.

The recent change saw 7 horses transferred to Dan Skelton, while the remaining 4 horses will be split between Jamie Snowden and Chris Gordon. This redistribution reflects a strategic pivot for the De La Heys as they explore new training avenues.

Cyrname notably won the Ascot Chase in 2019 by an astounding 17 lengths, showcasing the potential of these horses under Nicholls’ training. However, the removal of these animals raises questions about future performances and outcomes for both parties.

Nicholls expressed disappointment over losing such a significant part of his stable. He stated, “It’s disappointing after all the success we have had together,” indicating his surprise at the abrupt end to their collaboration.

This change comes amid a backdrop of other high-profile owners moving their horses away from Nicholls recently. He remarked, “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.” Yet he remains resilient, adding, “I’ve been in the game long enough to take these things on the chin.”

The impact on performance remains uncertain; for instance, Old Park Star won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle for Nicky Henderson after leaving Nicholls. Similarly, Kabral Du Mathan triumphed at Cheltenham post-departure.

The De La Heys now embark on a new chapter in their racing journey while Nicholls faces challenges as he adapts to this significant loss in his roster.