Owner Johnny de la Hey is to remove all of his horses from Paul Nicholls‘ yard. The news comes as the latest blow to he Ditcheat team after stable jockey Harry Cobden‘s decision to become JP McManus’ retained rider.
Nicholls and de la Hey have enjoyed significant success during their partnership. Current stalwart Pic d’Orhy is the most recent Grade 1 scorer for the pair, though in the past, horses such as Cyrname and Diego Du Charmil have also won at the top level.
Although de la Hey’s colours were carried to victory five times by Nicholls-trained runners this term, the allure of other yards has proven too much ahead of 2026/27. Of his 11 horses under Nicholls’ care, it is most notable that seven will move to Dan Skelton. Nicholls’ former assistant reached new heights this term by surpassing £5 million in prize money. He was crowned champion trainer for the first time by a wide margin.
Chris Gordon and Jamie Snowden are set to be the other beneficiaries of de la Hey’s decision. The remaining quartet of horses will be split between the pair.
“It’s disappointing after all the success together” – Nicholls
Pic d’Orhy’s three Grade 1s, including two Ascot Chases, have provided memorable moments for the partnership in recent seasons. However, the de la Hey colours were most notable for ending an historic winning run.
That occurred when Cyrname downed Altior in the Grade 2 1965 Chase in 2019. Altior had previously won 19 straight races but never threatened Nicholls’ star. Cyrname had won the Grade 1 Ascot Chase by 17 lengths nine months previously.
Those glory days are mostly in the past for Nicholls. His statement on de la Hey’s decision does speak of some hope for the future, however.
“It’s disappointing after all the success we have had together,” Nicholls said to The Sun. “We have a great team here and a lovely team of young horses to look forward to. I wish Johnny all the best.”
de la Hey’s decision comes after Harry Cobden announced he would leave his role as Nicholls’ number one jockey. He will ride for JP McManus from this campaign onwards. Sam Twiston-Davies, previously the Nicholls number one, is expected to partner the majority of Ditcheat’s 2026/27 runners.