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Kevin Nicholls
Kevin Nicholls
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Kevin Nicholls had three wins on the Flat in 1978, then later rode one in a bumper.
Kevin Nicholls had three wins on the Flat in 1978, then later rode one in a bumper.
Beginning as an apprentice with Bridlington-based trainer Cliff Watts. He had his first success at Beverley on June 21, 1978, when Hot Shot came from nearly last to take the lead approaching the final furlong to land the York and Ainsty Handicap by two lengths, with top jockeys Bruce Raymond and Mark Birch filling the minor berths.
Beginning as an apprentice with Bridlington-based trainer Cliff Watts. He had his first success at Beverley on June 21, 1978, when Hot Shot came from nearly last to take the lead approaching the final furlong to land the York and Ainsty Handicap by two lengths, with top jockeys Bruce Raymond and Mark Birch filling the minor berths.
Kevin was back in the winner’s enclosure following the Lamington Handicap at Hamilton Park on July 20. Again he came from way back, this time on the five-year-old My Wellie, taking the lead two and a half furlongs from home and holding off the challenge of Jimmy Bleasdale on Laen by a head.
Kevin was back in the winner’s enclosure following the Lamington Handicap at Hamilton Park on July 20. Again he came from way back, this time on the five-year-old My Wellie, taking the lead two and a half furlongs from home and holding off the challenge of Jimmy Bleasdale on Laen by a head.
After finishing second (beaten half a length) and third on Hot Shot, Kevin had his final win on the Flat when the six-year-old again came with a late run to catch long-time leader Ascot Royale and take the Foreshore Handicap at Redcar on July 25 by a head. He had four more rides on the gelding that season and was placed twice.
After finishing second (beaten half a length) and third on Hot Shot, Kevin had his final win on the Flat when the six-year-old again came with a late run to catch long-time leader Ascot Royale and take the Foreshore Handicap at Redcar on July 25 by a head. He had four more rides on the gelding that season and was placed twice.
He had his first ride over jumps on Cleveland and was beaten a long way in the Cuckoo Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Hurdle at Newcastle on December 4, 1982.
He had his first ride over jumps on Cleveland and was beaten a long way in the Cuckoo Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Hurdle at Newcastle on December 4, 1982.
Many jockeys go there whole career without managing to ride a winner at Cheltenham but that was where Kevin had his one success under National Hunt rules. On October 11, 1984, Mister Hammy, trained by Giles Bravery, took the lead with a furlong to go and was all out to beat Paul Croucher’s mount Bearcone at the end of the Grunwick N.H. Flat Race. It was the only occasion on which he rode the four-year-old.
Many jockeys go there whole career without managing to ride a winner at Cheltenham but that was where Kevin had his one success under National Hunt rules. On October 11, 1984, Mister Hammy, trained by Giles Bravery, took the lead with a furlong to go and was all out to beat Paul Croucher’s mount Bearcone at the end of the Grunwick N.H. Flat Race. It was the only occasion on which he rode the four-year-old.
However, his career was at an end within a month of that victory when Noble Flyer, also trained by Giles Bravery, fell in the Wellingborough Novices’ Hurdle at Towcester. It is not known whether that fall was directly responsible for curtailing his career, but he did not have any more rides thereafter.
However, his career was at an end within a month of that victory when Noble Flyer, also trained by Giles Bravery, fell in the Wellingborough Novices’ Hurdle at Towcester. It is not known whether that fall was directly responsible for curtailing his career, but he did not have any more rides thereafter.
Kevin Nicholls’ winners were, in chronological order:
Kevin Nicholls’ winners were, in chronological order:
1. Hot Shot, Beverely, June 21, 1978
1. Hot Shot, Beverely, June 21, 1978
2. My Wellie, Hamilton Park, July 20, 1978
2. My Wellie, Hamilton Park, July 20, 1978
3. Hot Shot, Redcar, July 25, 1978
3. Hot Shot, Redcar, July 25, 1978
4. Mister Hammy, Cheltenham, October 11, 1984
4. Mister Hammy, Cheltenham, October 11, 1984
Kevin Nicholls' first winner: Hot Shot, Beverely, June 21, 1978
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