Paul Nicholls
Looking at Paul Nicholls now, it's hard to imagine him being bullied by anyone, but, at school - because of his preference for ponies to football & cricket and his lack of stature - he was.
Looking at Paul Nicholls now, it's hard to imagine him being bullied by anyone, but, at school - because of his preference for ponies to football & cricket and his lack of stature - he was.
School, in fact, was the last place he wanted to be: the bullying aside, Paul had no real thirst for knowledge nor appetite for learning. His mind was instead already focused on racing and, more particularly, his ponies and weekend gymkhanas.
School, in fact, was the last place he wanted to be: the bullying aside, Paul had no real thirst for knowledge nor appetite for learning. His mind was instead already focused on racing and, more particularly, his ponies and weekend gymkhanas.
Aged just seven, aboard a small grey pony called Surprise, he went hunting for the first time (with the Berkeley) and spent the day on a leading rein: he remains a great fan of hunting and the point-to-point scene.
Aged just seven, aboard a small grey pony called Surprise, he went hunting for the first time (with the Berkeley) and spent the day on a leading rein: he remains a great fan of hunting and the point-to-point scene.
Paul Frank Nicholls was born at the Cottage Hospital, Lydney, Gloucestershire, on 17 April. 1962. He weighed in at seven pounds two ounces.
Paul Frank Nicholls was born at the Cottage Hospital, Lydney, Gloucestershire, on 17 April. 1962. He weighed in at seven pounds two ounces.
His father, Brian, was a policeman, as was his grandfather, Frank.
His father, Brian, was a policeman, as was his grandfather, Frank.
When he (Brian) was not on traffic patrol duty, he played as a second-row forward for the British Police rugby team. Frank, too, played for them.
When he (Brian) was not on traffic patrol duty, he played as a second-row forward for the British Police rugby team. Frank, too, played for them.
Paul's mother, Margaret, worked in a chemist's shop in Lydney. She married Brian in Bream village in December, 1960.
Paul's mother, Margaret, worked in a chemist's shop in Lydney. She married Brian in Bream village in December, 1960.
When Frank retired from the force, he opened a village shop, and Paul would often spend a day on the road with him as he delivered to beer to his customers.
When Frank retired from the force, he opened a village shop, and Paul would often spend a day on the road with him as he delivered to beer to his customers.
When his father visited relatives in the Forest of Dean he would put young Paul up on a pony called Sparky and take him for a walk on a leading rein.
When his father visited relatives in the Forest of Dean he would put young Paul up on a pony called Sparky and take him for a walk on a leading rein.
The family moved to Winterbourne, near Bristol, in 1969, where they lived in a police house.
The family moved to Winterbourne, near Bristol, in 1969, where they lived in a police house.
Paul began having riding lessons at a nearby riding school: aged ten, he was ready to compete in proper pony racing. For this, Paul's dad bought a really fast chestnut mare for £300.
Paul began having riding lessons at a nearby riding school: aged ten, he was ready to compete in proper pony racing. For this, Paul's dad bought a really fast chestnut mare for £300.
Called Hint of a Tint, Paul enjoyed many victories on her.
Called Hint of a Tint, Paul enjoyed many victories on her.
Having then moved the family on to Olveston, Brian rented a paddock and stables for their ponies. Then, aged 13, Paul found work with Dick Baimbridge who trained point-to-pointers.
Having then moved the family on to Olveston, Brian rented a paddock and stables for their ponies. Then, aged 13, Paul found work with Dick Baimbridge who trained point-to-pointers.
Paul worked there at the weekends and school holidays: on leaving school at 16, he joined him full-time.
Paul worked there at the weekends and school holidays: on leaving school at 16, he joined him full-time.
One perk of the job was that Paul got to go hunting twice a week on Dick's horses.
One perk of the job was that Paul got to go hunting twice a week on Dick's horses.
In the spring of 1978, Paul's parents bought him a 'schoolmaster' to ride in that year's point-to-points.
In the spring of 1978, Paul's parents bought him a 'schoolmaster' to ride in that year's point-to-points.
Having taken suitable advice, they purchased Lucky Edgar, a twelve-year-old with a lot of mileage on the clock. A former winner of the Grand Military Cup at Sandown two years earlier, it was the ideal conveyance for a would-be jockey.
Having taken suitable advice, they purchased Lucky Edgar, a twelve-year-old with a lot of mileage on the clock. A former winner of the Grand Military Cup at Sandown two years earlier, it was the ideal conveyance for a would-be jockey.
To help pay towards its keep, Paul got a job at a local baker's: when not there he spent his hours getting to know Lucky Edgar.
To help pay towards its keep, Paul got a job at a local baker's: when not there he spent his hours getting to know Lucky Edgar.
In January 1978, Paul applied for a point-to-point riders' certificate and, two days before his sixteenth birthday that April, he made his debut at the West Somerset Vale meeting. Of the twenty-one runners, Paul & Lucky Edgar finished fourteenth.
In January 1978, Paul applied for a point-to-point riders' certificate and, two days before his sixteenth birthday that April, he made his debut at the West Somerset Vale meeting. Of the twenty-one runners, Paul & Lucky Edgar finished fourteenth.
Having left school, Paul now worked full-time for Dick Baimbridge and was looking forward to his second year riding in point-to-points. He was unlucky on a couple of occasions when riding French William who was in the habit of falling just as he looked set to win.
Having left school, Paul now worked full-time for Dick Baimbridge and was looking forward to his second year riding in point-to-points. He was unlucky on a couple of occasions when riding French William who was in the habit of falling just as he looked set to win.
Another two horses - Lahzim and Energy Saver - were bought: Lahzim because of his fragile legs, only ran twice. After a bone-jarring fall at Beaufort in March, 1980, Paul did better when finishing second to the then amateur rider Nigel Twiston-Davies.
Another two horses - Lahzim and Energy Saver - were bought: Lahzim because of his fragile legs, only ran twice. After a bone-jarring fall at Beaufort in March, 1980, Paul did better when finishing second to the then amateur rider Nigel Twiston-Davies.
Paul's first win came at Nedge on 22 March, 1980. Always keeping Energy Saver in the first three, Paul came home by a comfortable two lengths.
Paul's first win came at Nedge on 22 March, 1980. Always keeping Energy Saver in the first three, Paul came home by a comfortable two lengths.
in the summer months, when not required by Dick Baimbridge, Paul worked for Toby Balding who gave his only ride on the Flat, Casabuck at Ascot in September 1980.
in the summer months, when not required by Dick Baimbridge, Paul worked for Toby Balding who gave his only ride on the Flat, Casabuck at Ascot in September 1980.
Paul's final year as a point-to-point rider -1981 - brought him two more wins, both on Wynsor House. This was also the year that saw him, in February, suffer his first real injury when falling from 50-1 shot Not Lightly. At Exeter Hospital they tended his dislocated left shoulder and broken arm.
Paul's final year as a point-to-point rider -1981 - brought him two more wins, both on Wynsor House. This was also the year that saw him, in February, suffer his first real injury when falling from 50-1 shot Not Lightly. At Exeter Hospital they tended his dislocated left shoulder and broken arm.
He was back in the saddle at Lowsonford on May 25: riding Wynsor House, he won. This was to be Paul's last appearance as a point-to-point rider.
He was back in the saddle at Lowsonford on May 25: riding Wynsor House, he won. This was to be Paul's last appearance as a point-to-point rider.
Leaving Dick and the point-to-point scene behind, Paul found work with trainer Kevin Bishop.
Leaving Dick and the point-to-point scene behind, Paul found work with trainer Kevin Bishop.
His first ride for the stable came at Newton Abbot on 2 September. Riding Jock's Bond, the outsider of five, he was in front after jumping the second and came home an easy six-lengths winner.
His first ride for the stable came at Newton Abbot on 2 September. Riding Jock's Bond, the outsider of five, he was in front after jumping the second and came home an easy six-lengths winner.
Two weeks later on the same horse, he repeated his win at Warwick.
Two weeks later on the same horse, he repeated his win at Warwick.
Then Paul endured a spell in the wilderness: finding rides - let alone winners - hard to come by, he was grateful for a phone call one Monday morning from Roger Hoad - could Paul ride for him at Fontwell that afternoon? Hoad explained at the course that Bash Street Kid was a good jumper and he wanted Paul to attack the fences.
Then Paul endured a spell in the wilderness: finding rides - let alone winners - hard to come by, he was grateful for a phone call one Monday morning from Roger Hoad - could Paul ride for him at Fontwell that afternoon? Hoad explained at the course that Bash Street Kid was a good jumper and he wanted Paul to attack the fences.
Paul took up the running on the second circuit and was never headed.
Paul took up the running on the second circuit and was never headed.
Then Les Kennard rang wanting him to ride Lord Leighton that Saturday at Kempton. Again, Paul's luck was in; he scooted home on the 33-1 shot and suddenly was flavour of the month.
Then Les Kennard rang wanting him to ride Lord Leighton that Saturday at Kempton. Again, Paul's luck was in; he scooted home on the 33-1 shot and suddenly was flavour of the month.
He won another two races in quick succession for Kennard and became in constant demand.
He won another two races in quick succession for Kennard and became in constant demand.
On 16 February, 1982, he grasped the nettle and turned professional. At £41.50 a ride, it would have been silly not to.
On 16 February, 1982, he grasped the nettle and turned professional. At £41.50 a ride, it would have been silly not to.
He won his last race as an amateur on February 11 at Wincanton on Tudor Road.
He won his last race as an amateur on February 11 at Wincanton on Tudor Road.
Les Kennard was good for Paul who landed his first double on the trainer's Lord Leighton and Two Coppers at Chepstow just four days after turning pro.
Les Kennard was good for Paul who landed his first double on the trainer's Lord Leighton and Two Coppers at Chepstow just four days after turning pro.
Stan Mellor also began using him and it was on one of his horses, Charlie Muddle, that Paul won the final of the Daily Mirror's Conditional jockey series at Lingfield.
Stan Mellor also began using him and it was on one of his horses, Charlie Muddle, that Paul won the final of the Daily Mirror's Conditional jockey series at Lingfield.
Paul finished his first season as a professional with sixteen winners but was faced with a dilemma. Les Kennard wanted Paul to join him full-time as his conditional - so, too, did Josh Gifford who stepped in with a counter-bid.
Paul finished his first season as a professional with sixteen winners but was faced with a dilemma. Les Kennard wanted Paul to join him full-time as his conditional - so, too, did Josh Gifford who stepped in with a counter-bid.
Kennard had a record of dropping his young riders as soon as they had run through their claim; Gifford, on the other hand, knew how to look after his jockeys.
Kennard had a record of dropping his young riders as soon as they had run through their claim; Gifford, on the other hand, knew how to look after his jockeys.
It was an easy decision to walk away from Kennard.
It was an easy decision to walk away from Kennard.
Paul then enjoyed his best ever year as a jockey: he had still not lost touch with Kennard and his first two winners of the new campaign were, indeed, for his former boss.
Paul then enjoyed his best ever year as a jockey: he had still not lost touch with Kennard and his first two winners of the new campaign were, indeed, for his former boss.
Then Gifford's horses kicked in: in early November Paul landed his first double for the stable, Moonlight Express and Buck & Wing at Towcester.
Then Gifford's horses kicked in: in early November Paul landed his first double for the stable, Moonlight Express and Buck & Wing at Towcester.
In March he rode at Aintree for the first time. He was on board old friend Moonlight Express but, because the horse's jumping had gone to pieces - he'd fallen on his first three runs that season - Paul didn't expect to get round. Back at Gifford's yard, the stable lads were taking bets on which fence the horse would fall. Amazingly, Moonlight Express took to the giant fences and finished a decent fifth.
In March he rode at Aintree for the first time. He was on board old friend Moonlight Express but, because the horse's jumping had gone to pieces - he'd fallen on his first three runs that season - Paul didn't expect to get round. Back at Gifford's yard, the stable lads were taking bets on which fence the horse would fall. Amazingly, Moonlight Express took to the giant fences and finished a decent fifth.
Having watched Corbiere win the Grand National, he jumped up on a steady old chaser called Approaching for the following race (for conditional jockeys). Paul and Approaching won giving the jockey a dream start over the famous course.
Having watched Corbiere win the Grand National, he jumped up on a steady old chaser called Approaching for the following race (for conditional jockeys). Paul and Approaching won giving the jockey a dream start over the famous course.
He ended that season with 23 winners from 239 mounts and, the process, losing his claim after getting A Little Tipsy home at Newton Abbot.
He ended that season with 23 winners from 239 mounts and, the process, losing his claim after getting A Little Tipsy home at Newton Abbot.
Gifford's stable jockey Richard Rowe was out of action with a shoulder problem and Paul should have come in for some plum rides for the stable. Instead, that New Year, he took a bad fall on The Thatcher, breaking his collarbone.
Gifford's stable jockey Richard Rowe was out of action with a shoulder problem and Paul should have come in for some plum rides for the stable. Instead, that New Year, he took a bad fall on The Thatcher, breaking his collarbone.
He was back in April, riding Benji, the 50th winner of his career.
He was back in April, riding Benji, the 50th winner of his career.
Paul made his Grand National debut in 1985 on the 150-1 outsider Roman Bistro. During the race, the horse began to choke and Paul pulled him up immediately. The horse died within a month.
Paul made his Grand National debut in 1985 on the 150-1 outsider Roman Bistro. During the race, the horse began to choke and Paul pulled him up immediately. The horse died within a month.
Paul then heard of a job going at David Barons's stable just outside Plymouth. Hywel Davies was the first jockey there but Barons needed a second jockey because of a large influx of young horses from New Zealand.
Paul then heard of a job going at David Barons's stable just outside Plymouth. Hywel Davies was the first jockey there but Barons needed a second jockey because of a large influx of young horses from New Zealand.
Yet it was a one of only a handful of horses that weren't bred in New Zealand - Broadheath - which helped Paul get going for the stable.
Yet it was a one of only a handful of horses that weren't bred in New Zealand - Broadheath - which helped Paul get going for the stable.
That November at Chepstow, Paul and Broadheath blitzed the opposition: it's owner, Mr Marsh - delighted with Paul's riding - said he could keep the ride. Paul repaid his loyalty by winning Wincanton's Lord Stalbridge Gold Cup next time out and cemented that victory with two more that same season.
That November at Chepstow, Paul and Broadheath blitzed the opposition: it's owner, Mr Marsh - delighted with Paul's riding - said he could keep the ride. Paul repaid his loyalty by winning Wincanton's Lord Stalbridge Gold Cup next time out and cemented that victory with two more that same season.
A broken collarbone in early December halted his climb: he wasn't able to return to the racecourse until Boxing Day. Due to be reunited with Broadheath, this time at Newton Abbot, Paul - during his enforced rest - had piled on the pounds. However, a friendly clerk of the scales turned a blind eye. Although, at the time, Paul weighed a minimum of eleven stone, the records show that he drew the correct weight on each of his three rides that afternoon including Broadheath on which - weakened by a lack of fitness following his injury - Paul turned out to be a passenger as the horse ran away with him for an easy win.
A broken collarbone in early December halted his climb: he wasn't able to return to the racecourse until Boxing Day. Due to be reunited with Broadheath, this time at Newton Abbot, Paul - during his enforced rest - had piled on the pounds. However, a friendly clerk of the scales turned a blind eye. Although, at the time, Paul weighed a minimum of eleven stone, the records show that he drew the correct weight on each of his three rides that afternoon including Broadheath on which - weakened by a lack of fitness following his injury - Paul turned out to be a passenger as the horse ran away with him for an easy win.
That season he took his last ride in the Grand National - Another Duke, trained by Joe Davis. Left in front when Corbiere fell, Another Duke - seeing daylight - scorched off, somehow cleared Becher's and was still with the leaders when brought down at the tenth.
That season he took his last ride in the Grand National - Another Duke, trained by Joe Davis. Left in front when Corbiere fell, Another Duke - seeing daylight - scorched off, somehow cleared Becher's and was still with the leaders when brought down at the tenth.
The next season brought Paul the first major success of his career. He rode old friend Broadheath in the Hennessy Gold Cup and, although they won, the cost to Paul was significant: Broadheath was set to carry just ten stone five pounds.
The next season brought Paul the first major success of his career. He rode old friend Broadheath in the Hennessy Gold Cup and, although they won, the cost to Paul was significant: Broadheath was set to carry just ten stone five pounds.
Paul starved himself for a week, regularly took pills that made him pass water and walked for hours every evening. Together with his smallest saddle and some custom-made, wafer-thin boots, he drew the correct weight.
Paul starved himself for a week, regularly took pills that made him pass water and walked for hours every evening. Together with his smallest saddle and some custom-made, wafer-thin boots, he drew the correct weight.
Another thrilling ride came on Playschool at the Cheltenham Festival when he finished runner-up behind Kildimo.
Another thrilling ride came on Playschool at the Cheltenham Festival when he finished runner-up behind Kildimo.
He finished up with a seasonal winning total of eighteen.
He finished up with a seasonal winning total of eighteen.
But the cost of his chosen career was beginning to kick in. Up every morning at five, he'd spend two hours in the sauna before going to work. Afterwards he'd jog back to the yard. He'd then spend a further thirty minutes in the sauna before taking a cold bath. And all on, some days, no food and half a cup of coffee.
But the cost of his chosen career was beginning to kick in. Up every morning at five, he'd spend two hours in the sauna before going to work. Afterwards he'd jog back to the yard. He'd then spend a further thirty minutes in the sauna before taking a cold bath. And all on, some days, no food and half a cup of coffee.
He had also become obsessed with his weight jumping on and off the scales twenty or thirty times a day. He suffered stomach cramps, lack of energy and sleepless nights.
He had also become obsessed with his weight jumping on and off the scales twenty or thirty times a day. He suffered stomach cramps, lack of energy and sleepless nights.
Paul felt permanently ill.
Paul felt permanently ill.
Was it all worth it?
Was it all worth it?
Then doubts about his own ability began to creep in. He knew he'd never be a top jockey and had for some time been thinking about becoming a trainer in the future.
Then doubts about his own ability began to creep in. He knew he'd never be a top jockey and had for some time been thinking about becoming a trainer in the future.
What had kept him going up to now had been the likes of Broadheath, Playschool and Seagram.
What had kept him going up to now had been the likes of Broadheath, Playschool and Seagram.
Now Playschool was to give Paul another big success, but it was a close shave.
Now Playschool was to give Paul another big success, but it was a close shave.
Paul had fallen at Plumpton three days before the Hennessy. He'd cracked a bone in his right wrist, but after a visit to his physio, Mike Ash, he headed towards Newbury suitably repaired.
Paul had fallen at Plumpton three days before the Hennessy. He'd cracked a bone in his right wrist, but after a visit to his physio, Mike Ash, he headed towards Newbury suitably repaired.
Playschool, giving a faultless display of jumping, romped home by five lengths, beating Contradeal and the favourite, Kildimo.
Playschool, giving a faultless display of jumping, romped home by five lengths, beating Contradeal and the favourite, Kildimo.
A second win on the same horse in the Welsh Grand National renewed Paul's vigor and a third came at Leopardstown in the Vincent O'Brien Gold Cup.
A second win on the same horse in the Welsh Grand National renewed Paul's vigor and a third came at Leopardstown in the Vincent O'Brien Gold Cup.
Sadly, Playschool's owner, Ronnie Cottle, had died from stomach cancer shortly before the race.
Sadly, Playschool's owner, Ronnie Cottle, had died from stomach cancer shortly before the race.
The beginning of the end for Paul's short career as a jockey came that July with the opening of the new season less than a fortnight away.
The beginning of the end for Paul's short career as a jockey came that July with the opening of the new season less than a fortnight away.
He now weighed twelve and a half stone but still hoped to ride again. How on earth, he wondered, could he get down to a racing weight?
He now weighed twelve and a half stone but still hoped to ride again. How on earth, he wondered, could he get down to a racing weight?
That morning in July, the conundrum was taken out of his hands.
That morning in July, the conundrum was taken out of his hands.
He was at the back of the string at exercise on Topsham Bay, a brute of a horse, which suddenly decided it wanted to be at the front. Without warning, he took off. His antics caused the other horses disruption, one of which - Purple Point - lashed out with both legs as Topsham Bay sped past.
He was at the back of the string at exercise on Topsham Bay, a brute of a horse, which suddenly decided it wanted to be at the front. Without warning, he took off. His antics caused the other horses disruption, one of which - Purple Point - lashed out with both legs as Topsham Bay sped past.
Paul took the full force of the blow some four inches above his ankle. He heard a loud crack and his days in the saddle were over.
Paul took the full force of the blow some four inches above his ankle. He heard a loud crack and his days in the saddle were over.
He was told he could not expect to ride for at least six months but deep down Paul knew the game was up.
He was told he could not expect to ride for at least six months but deep down Paul knew the game was up.
Partial compensation came when he was fed two half-decent meals at the hospital which he swallowed with relish.
Partial compensation came when he was fed two half-decent meals at the hospital which he swallowed with relish.
The next few months were spent, not just healing, but planning the future.
The next few months were spent, not just healing, but planning the future.
Jenny Barons provided the answer. She asked Paul to stay on with them as assistant trainer.
Jenny Barons provided the answer. She asked Paul to stay on with them as assistant trainer.
He instantly agreed.
He instantly agreed.
Paul the jockey had left the stage.
Paul the jockey had left the stage.
Paul the trainer had just arrived.
Paul the trainer had just arrived.
Paul Nicholls
Paul Nicholls
Big winners:
Big winners:
1986: Hennessy Gold Cup – Broadheath
1986: Hennessy Gold Cup – Broadheath
1987: Vincent O’Brien Gold Cup – Playschool
1987: Vincent O’Brien Gold Cup – Playschool
1987: Hennessy Gold Cup – Playschool
1987: Hennessy Gold Cup – Playschool
1987: Welsh Grand National – Playschool
1987: Welsh Grand National – Playschool