Another major blow for Paul Nicholls as leading owner removes horses from Ditcheat yard
Another major blow for Paul Nicholls as leading owner removes horses from Ditcheat yard
The horse racing world was sent into a frenzy following the news that 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls has faced a significant setback at his Ditcheat stable. Leading owner Johnny de la Hey has made the high-profile decision to remove his entire string of horses from the Somerset base, marking a dramatic shift in one of the sport's most successful partnerships. This exodus includes the multiple Grade 1 winner Pic D'Orhy, who will now join the yard of the newly crowned champion trainer, Dan Skelton. For Nicholls, who has dominated the British jumps racing scene for decades, the loss of eleven quality performers represents a challenging transition as he prepares for the upcoming season.
The removal of horses by Johnny de la Hey from Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat yard involves 11 horses, most notably the three-time Grade 1 winner Pic D'Orhy. Seven of these horses, including Pic D'Orhy, are moving to trainer Dan Skelton, while the remaining four are being split between Jamie Snowden and Chris Gordon. This move ends a partnership that dates back to the 2009-10 season and has yielded major victories with stars like Cyrname and Diego Du Charmil. Nicholls described the departure as disappointing but emphasized his focus on a strong team of young horses for the 2025-2026 season.
The End of a Golden Era: Nicholls and De La Hey Part Ways
For over a decade, the colors of Johnny de la Hey have been synonymous with success at Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat yard. Since the 2009-10 season, the owner and trainer have enjoyed a prolific relationship that reached the highest echelons of National Hunt racing. The decision to remove all 11 horses currently in training with Nicholls marks the end of a golden era for the stable. While owners moving horses is part of the "game," as Nicholls often remarks, the scale and the quality of the horses leaving at once constitute a significant blow to the yard's firepower for the championship race.
The partnership was defined by marquee names that captured the imagination of racing fans. Cyrname, famously known for ending Altior’s unbeaten run in the 1965 Chase, was perhaps the most iconic horse to carry the De La Hey silks under Nicholls' care. Other notable successes included Diego Du Charmil, a winner of the Maghull Novices' Chase. The sudden departure of such a long-standing and loyal supporter is a rarity for a trainer of Nicholls' stature, leading to much speculation within the racing community about the motivations behind the switch.
Pic D'Orhy Leads the Exodus to Dan Skelton
The flagship horse in the De La Hey portfolio is undoubtedly Pic D'Orhy. A model of consistency and class, Pic D'Orhy has been a stalwart for the Ditcheat team, securing three Grade 1 victories, including two renewals of the prestigious Ascot Chase. His transition to Dan Skelton’s Alcester stable is a massive boost for Skelton, who recently secured his first trainers' title. By acquiring a ready-made Grade 1 performer, Skelton strengthens his hand in the pursuit of defending his championship.
Pic D'Orhy’s departure is particularly poignant as he was still at the peak of his powers. His ability to perform at the highest level over fences provided Nicholls with a reliable source of big-race prize money. Along with Pic D'Orhy, six other horses from the De La Hey string are heading to Skelton, further consolidating the relationship between the owner and the former Nicholls assistant. This move highlights the growing rivalry at the top of the trainers' standings, as Skelton continues to build an empire capable of challenging the established order.
Impact on the Ditcheat Stable and Staff
Losing 11 horses from a single owner is not just a statistical loss; it impacts the daily rhythm and morale of a training yard. At Ditcheat, where every horse is meticulously managed, the departure of high-profile runners like those owned by De La Hey means a reorganization of the stable's resources. However, Paul Nicholls is renowned for his resilience and his ability to replenish his ranks with fresh talent. He has been quick to point out that the yard remains full of "lovely young horses" and that the "buzz" around Ditcheat persists.
Nicholls’ philosophical approach—taking things "on the chin"—is a testament to his experience. Having been in the game for over 40 years, he has seen owners come and go. While the loss of these specific horses is a blow, the infrastructure at Ditcheat, supported by a dedicated team of grooms, work riders, and assistants like Clifford Baker, ensures that the stable remains a powerhouse. The focus now shifts to developing the next generation of stars, such as Caldwell Potter and Kalif Du Berlais, to fill the void left by the departing veterans.
| Horse Name | New Trainer |
|---|---|
| Pic D'Orhy | Dan Skelton |
| Ginny's Destiny | Nicky Henderson |
| Kabral Du Mathan | Dan Skelton |
| Don't Tell Su | Nicky Henderson |
| Act Of Innocence | Dan Skelton |
A Growing Trend: High-Profile Departures from Nicholls
The move by Johnny de la Hey is not an isolated incident. Over the past year, several other prominent owners have opted to move their horses from Ditcheat to rival trainers. Gordon and Su Hall, owners of the talented Ginny's Destiny and Don't Tell Su, recently moved their string to Nicky Henderson. Similarly, Neil and Alfie Smith transferred Kabral Du Mathan and Farland to Dan Skelton. These collective losses have significantly thinned the ranks of established Saturday horses in Nicholls' yard.
Analysts suggest that this trend might reflect owners' desires for a change of luck or a different training approach after a season where Nicholls narrowly missed out on the title. Despite the departures, Nicholls remains the most successful active trainer in the UK, and his strike rate remains enviable. The competition among the "Big Three"—Nicholls, Skelton, and Henderson—is becoming increasingly fierce, with owners playing a pivotal role in shifting the balance of power by moving their assets to where they perceive the best chance of success lies.
The Resilience of a 14-Time Champion
Paul Nicholls’ career has been defined by his ability to bounce back from adversity. Whether it was the retirement of legends like Kauto Star and Denman or previous instances of owners moving horses, Nicholls has always found a way to return to the winner's enclosure at the major festivals. He often cites the words of his late mentor, Paul Barber: "Any man can win, but it takes a good man to lose." This mantra seems to be guiding him through this latest challenging period.
The 2025-2026 season will be a true test of Nicholls’ training prowess. Without some of his most recognizable stars, he will rely on his scouting and recruitment skills to bring in new talent. The acquisition of Caldwell Potter for a record sum earlier in 2024 was a clear statement of intent. Nicholls is betting on the future, and his track record suggests that it would be a mistake to count him out of the title race. His determination to secure a 15th title remains undiminished, fueled perhaps by the very setbacks that seek to derail him.
Dan Skelton: The New Powerhouse in British Racing
Dan Skelton’s rise to the top of the trainers' championship has been meteoric. Having spent nearly a decade learning the ropes as an assistant to Paul Nicholls, Skelton has applied those lessons to build a world-class facility at Alcester. The influx of De La Hey’s horses, particularly Pic D'Orhy, signifies a changing of the guard. Skelton is no longer just a challenger; he is now a destination of choice for the sport's biggest owners.
The dynamic between Nicholls and Skelton is one of mutual respect but intense competition. Nicholls has expressed pride in his former protégé's achievements, while Skelton continues to push the boundaries of what a modern training operation can achieve. By taking in horses that were formerly trained by his mentor, Skelton is in a unique position to compare training methodologies and potentially unlock even more improvement in these established performers. The battle for the 2025-2026 title between the master and the apprentice promises to be one of the most compelling narratives in racing.
Future Prospects: The Next Generation at Ditcheat
Despite the "major blow," the cupboards at Ditcheat are far from bare. Nicholls has a formidable roster of young prospects that he believes will spearhead his challenge for years to come. Horses like Kalif Du Berlais, who showed immense promise in his juvenile season, and Regent's Stroll are highly regarded by the stable. The focus at Ditcheat has always been on bringing horses along gradually, ensuring they have long and successful careers over fences.
Nicholls has also been active in the sales rings, seeking out the best Irish point-to-point prospects and French imports. The philosophy of the yard remains the same: identify talent, provide world-class facilities, and use the expertise of the best jockeys, led by stable number one Harry Cobden. While the loss of seasoned veterans like Pic D'Orhy is felt in the short term, the long-term health of the stable depends on these emerging talents fulfilling their potential. The upcoming season will provide the stage for these new names to become the household stars of tomorrow.
Conclusion
The departure of Johnny de la Hey’s horses from Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard undoubtedly marks a significant moment in the current National Hunt landscape. Losing a flagship horse like Pic D'Orhy to a direct title rival like Dan Skelton is a difficult pill to swallow for any trainer, let alone a 14-time champion. However, Paul Nicholls' career is a story of enduring excellence and remarkable recovery. While the "blow" is substantial, the master of Ditcheat is already looking forward, fortified by a new wave of talent and an unwavering competitive spirit. As the 2025-2026 season approaches, the racing world will be watching closely to see how the champion responds to this latest test of his legendary stable's depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did Johnny de la Hey remove his horses from Paul Nicholls' yard?
A1: While no official specific reason was provided by the owner, such moves in horse racing are often motivated by a desire for a fresh start, a change in training environment, or the rising success of rival trainers like Dan Skelton.
Q2: How many horses were involved in the move?
A2: A total of 11 horses owned by Johnny de la Hey were removed from the Ditcheat stable.
Q3: Which horse is the most significant loss for the Nicholls stable?
A3: Pic D'Orhy, a multiple Grade 1 winner including two Ascot Chases, is considered the most significant departure due to his high rating and consistent performance at the top level.
Q4: Who is the new trainer for most of these horses?
A4: Dan Skelton received seven of the horses, including Pic D'Orhy. The remaining four were split between Jamie Snowden and Chris Gordon.
Q5: Has Paul Nicholls lost other high-profile owners recently?
A5: Yes, Gordon and Su Hall (owners of Ginny's Destiny) and Neil and Alfie Smith (owners of Kabral Du Mathan) have also moved their horses to rival trainers like Nicky Henderson and Dan Skelton over the past year.
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