Paul Nicholls

British horse racing trainer who has won the Cheltenham Gold Cup five times and is one of the most successful National Hunt trainers in British racing history

Born on 17 April 1962 in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, Paul Nicholls emerged from humble beginnings to become one of National Hunt racing's most successful trainers. After leaving school, he worked as a stable lad before becoming an amateur jockey, riding his first winner in 1986. His riding career was brief but provided valuable experience that would later inform his training methods. Nicholls established his training operation at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, Somerset, in 1991, initially with modest resources and a small string of horses. His breakthrough came in the late 1990s when he began training See More Business, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1999. This victory marked the beginning of an extraordinary period of success that would establish Nicholls among the elite trainers of his generation. The early 2000s saw him develop into a dominant force, training multiple Grade 1 winners and consistently challenging for the trainers' championship. Nicholls has claimed the British Jump Trainers' Championship multiple times, demonstrating remarkable consistency at the highest level. His stable produced two of jump racing's greatest horses: Kauto Star, a five-time King George VI Chase winner and two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup victor, and Denman, who won the 2008 Gold Cup. The rivalry between these two horses, both trained by Nicholls, created some of the most compelling narratives in modern jump racing. His other notable champions include Master Minded, Big Buck's, and Clan Des Obeaux. Nicholls revolutionized National Hunt training through his professional approach, modern facilities, and emphasis on horse welfare. His success helped elevate the profile of jump racing, particularly through the compelling storylines surrounding his stable stars. With over 4,000 winners and numerous championship titles, he has established himself as one of the most successful trainers in British racing history, influencing training methods and setting new standards for the sport.

Known for meticulous preparation and handling of top-class steeplechasers

One of the most successful National Hunt trainers in British racing history

• Champion Trainer 2005-06
• Champion Trainer 2006-07
• Champion Trainer 2007-08
• Champion Trainer 2008-09
• Champion Trainer 2009-10
• Champion Trainer 2011-12
• Champion Trainer 2012-13
• Champion Trainer 2013-14
• Cheltenham Gold Cup Winner 2009 (Kauto Star)
• Cheltenham Gold Cup Winner 2012 (Synchronised)
• King George VI Chase Winner multiple times including with Kauto Star
• Grand National Winner 2012 (Neptune Collonges)
• Betfair Chase Winner multiple times
• Cheltenham Festival Leading Trainer multiple occasions