Paul Nicholls believes British trainers are heading into the Cheltenham Festival “in a better place than we’ve been for the last few years” as they attempt to wrest back momentum from Ireland at next month’s showpiece.
The Ditcheat handler, who has saddled 50 winners at the Festival, sounded quietly optimistic as he assessed his squad during a media morning staged by The Jockey Club. With the Prestbury Cup having gone Ireland’s way by a commanding 20-8 margin last season, the challenge is clear. Yet Nicholls senses a shift.
He points not only to his own team but to the strength in depth across Britain, from Nicky Henderson and Dan Skelton to Ben Pauling — a blend of established masters and ambitious younger operators.
“I think things are going to be totally different,” Nicholls said. “But you know what Willie is like — he turns up mob-handed and they’re all ready.”
He was, of course, referring to Willie Mullins, whose Festival battalions have defined the modern era.
Paul Nicholls and his Cheltenham Festival team
Four of Nicholls’ principal hopes — No Drama This End, Tutti Quanti, Sans Bruit and Il Ridoto — stretched their legs at Kempton Park on Tuesday morning, and it was the first-named who drew the warmest praise.
No Drama This End
“That was brilliant today, just what we wanted,” Nicholls said of his Grade One-winning novice hurdler.
A big, strong, workmanlike type, No Drama This End has thrived on racing. His trainer admitted Ascot had briefly tempted him, but prudence prevailed. A searching gallop at Lambourn alongside Regent’s Stroll last week, followed by this sharper piece of work, has left him exactly where connections want him — fit, fresh and mentally relaxed.
Nicholls even allowed himself a lofty comparison.
“If one day we got a horse that might compare with Denman, it’s him,” he said, careful to temper the remark. “He’s the same sort of model — doesn’t show masses at home, big and strong. You probably wouldn’t know how good he is until he runs.”
With two Grade Twos and a Grade One already secured, his credentials are not in doubt. How high his ceiling sits remains the intriguing question.
Harry Cobden, who knows the horse intimately, will again take the reins. Tactical versatility could prove vital on the Old Course, where stamina and pace blend in unforgiving fashion.
Tutti Quanti
Supplementation for the Champion Hurdle remains under active consideration.
Tutti Quanti, now rated 151, has improved sharply this season. Victory in the Gerry Fielden was followed by an even more authoritative display at Newbury, and his work at Kempton suggested further progress.
“I didn’t expect him to win like that the other day,” Nicholls admitted. “He’s just the finished article now.”
The option of carrying top weight in a handicap holds less appeal, particularly with chasing on next season’s agenda. If conditions remain no worse than good to soft, the Champion Hurdle could beckon.
Regent’s Stroll
Regent’s Stroll came within touching distance of top-level success last term and has been handled patiently since. Three quick runs before New Year persuaded Nicholls to ease off, allowing the horse to strengthen mentally.
“He’s getting much better,” the trainer said. “145 is quite a nice mark for him.”
Experience of the Festival cauldron — and the vast crowds it brings — should stand him in good stead.
Quebecois and the handicappers
Quebecois, earmarked for the Ultima, would not want testing ground over three miles. His recent outing was designed purely to qualify, and Nicholls believes better conditions would see him competitive.
Elsewhere, Golden Son is pencilled in for the Hunter Chase, potentially providing a family moment should Nicholls’ daughter Olive take the ride, while Shearer could line up in the same contest under Gina Andrews.
Context is everything. Ireland’s grip on the Festival has tightened in recent seasons, but the tone from Ditcheat is one of renewed belief rather than defiance. For Paul Nicholls, this Cheltenham Festival feels like an opportunity — not merely a defence.
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