Nicholls Faces Significant Setback as Key Horses Depart for Henderson and Skelton
A wave of departures, including Grade 1-caliber talent, has dealt a substantial blow to champion trainer Paul Nicholls this summer. Several high-profile horses, notably Ginny’s Destiny, have moved to rival stables, signaling a potential shift in the competitive landscape of National Hunt racing.
Hall Horses Make a Surprising Move
The most significant development centers around the horses owned by Gordon and Su Hall. Their star performer, Ginny’s Destiny, a consistent contender in top-level races, has made a surprising switch to the yard of Nicky Henderson. The move includes not only Ginny’s Destiny but also his stablemate, Don’t Tell Su. Additionally, impressive Taunton bumper winner Act Of Innocence and Old Park Star have also departed Nicholls’ stable, all under the Hall’s ownership.
Ginny’s Destiny initially competed for Tom Lacey, securing two wins in six starts before joining Nicholls’ Ditcheat base in October 2023. During his two seasons under the 14-time champion trainer, the gelding achieved notable success, winning three times at Cheltenham, including a victory on Trials day. He also secured second-place finishes in both the Turners Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and the Manifesto Chase at Aintree. However, the horse experienced a downturn in form last season, culminating in a seventh-place finish in the Topham Chase at Aintree.
Skelton Gains Promising Talent
The departures extend beyond the Hall’s string. Kabral Du Mathan, who narrowly missed victory in last season’s Scottish Champion Hurdle, finishing just a neck behind Cracking Rhapsody at Ayr in April, has transferred to Dan Skelton’s stable. The five-year-old demonstrated promising form for Nicholls, winning two of his five outings. Farland, also owned by Neil Smith and Alfie Smith, joins Kabral Du Mathan in making the move to Skelton.
Nicholls reportedly held a high opinion of Kabral Du Mathan, describing him in last season’s Racing Post stable tour as possessing “could be anything” potential and being “a really nice prospect.” Both Nicholls and Skelton declined to provide further comment when approached by the Racing Post.
The series of moves raises questions about the future direction of Nicholls’ stable and the strategic ambitions of Henderson and Skelton as they bolster their respective rosters. The impact of these changes will undoubtedly be closely watched as the new season unfolds.
