Leading owner Johnny de la Hey has removed all horses from Paul Nicholls, marking a significant shift in their long-standing partnership. This decision comes after nearly 14 years of collaboration, during which the De La Heys achieved notable success in jumps racing.
Previously, expectations were high. The De La Heys had nearly all their jumps horses with Nicholls since the 2009-10 season, resulting in an impressive record. They secured 123 jumps winners from 652 runners, boasting a 19 percent strike rate and accumulating £3,754,638 in prize-money.
What changed? The immediate impact is clear: 11 horses were taken away from Nicholls’ stable. Seven of these will now train under Dan Skelton, while four will be split between Jamie Snowden and Chris Gordon. This kind of mass exodus is rare in racing partnerships.
The direct effects on both parties are significant. Nicholls expressed disappointment over the removal of horses, stating, “It’s disappointing after all the success we have had together.” He also mentioned his struggle with self-doubt amid such changes, saying, “You start asking yourself what you’re doing wrong.” Meanwhile, the De La Heys move forward with new trainers—an uncertain but necessary transition.
That context matters because it highlights the volatility within racing partnerships. Expert voices suggest that high-profile owners shifting their horses can disrupt established training dynamics and impact future performance. For instance, after leaving Nicholls, Old Park Star won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle for Nicky Henderson and Kabral Du Mathan triumphed at Cheltenham.
This development raises questions about the stability of other racing partnerships as well. With Nicholls facing multiple high-profile owners moving their horses recently, it suggests a potential trend that could reshape how trainers and owners collaborate moving forward.