Since that time, thirty years ago, we have met occasionally at the sale and on the rare occasion I have called him, he has answered my questions candidly and politely.
One thing I can confirm from that time has to do with his competitiveness.
I remember one time when I wanted to give our horse a short break, to which he responded with something along the lines of ‘No way, he’s flying home and he’ll win at Newton Abbot next week.’
He booked Richard Dunwoody and told him the same thing, and the horse was duly collected. To cement its status as the superior party in our relationship, the partnership won again at Wincanton a few days later.
I wasn’t the least bit offended by what could be described as his somewhat gruff bedside manner, but I was struck by the fact that this was a man who was not easily changed.
I can therefore understand why there have been breakups in his career, most recently last summer and more particularly with Clive Smith, owner of Kauto Star, Master Minded and other top performers.
However, that doesn’t reveal the full depth or range of his character, or, let’s call it, his emotional intelligence.
A few years ago I had a long conversation with Paul while I was working on my book Strictly classified and he spoke poignantly about how, in February 2013, he had to keep his team focused with Cheltenham looming and rally to support his head boy Clifford Baker, following the tragic death of his 21-year-old son Dominic.
I know from that conversation and from my experience as an owner with Paul that he has great fortitude and sensitivity and that even though he may have ruffled a few feathers along the way, you always know where you stand. Better that than an indecisive hand on the wheel.
Having said all this, even his staunchest opponents would not wish the fate that befell Kalif Du Berlais… one of three horses who lost their lives at Kempton on Saturday… on anyone. Paul is also without his other aspiring star Caldwell Potter, who has been injured this season.
Talk about kicking a guy when he’s in trouble, but given the fickle nature of this game, I wouldn’t be surprised if things turned around for him this spring.
As I write this he is not doing too badly this season with a very respectable 23% strike rate and over £1 million in prize money. He may have to plow his furrow with handicaps, but perhaps a big one will come his way. The Grand National perhaps? He could have another for the Jack Richards at Cheltenham.
One thing is certain. Paul Nicholls will keep himself and his team focused on the job at hand and his tenacity will be rewarded. Usually that is the case.
Goodbye for now
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