Leading owner Johnny de la Hey has removed all horses from Paul Nicholls, marking a significant shift in their long-standing partnership. The De La Heys had nearly all their jumps horses with Nicholls since the 2009-10 season, achieving remarkable success together.
But now, everything’s changed. Eleven horses left the Ditcheat stable—seven will be trained by Dan Skelton, while four will go to Jamie Snowden and Chris Gordon. This move raises eyebrows in the world of jumps racing.
The impact is immediate and profound. In their time together, the De La Heys celebrated 123 jumps winners from 652 runners, boasting a striking 19 percent strike rate. Their partnership yielded £3,754,638 in prize-money, including notable victories like Cyrname’s stunning win in the Ascot Chase by 17 lengths in 2019.
Paul Nicholls expressed his disappointment over the removal of horses. “It’s disappointing after all the success we have had together,” he shared. Yet he also wished Johnny well, saying, “I wish Johnny all the best.” The emotional weight of this decision isn’t lost on anyone involved.
Experts have noted that Nicholls has faced multiple high-profile owners moving their horses recently—an unsettling trend for a trainer who has dominated jumps racing for years. This shift could reshape the competitive landscape of horse training.
As for the horses themselves? Old Park Star and Kabral Du Mathan both found success after leaving Nicholls, winning significant races shortly thereafter. Their stories serve as reminders that change can lead to new opportunities.
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