Paul Nicholls gets major pre-season boost with return of familiar face at his Ditcheat yard

SportHorse Racing Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dave Shopland/Shutterstock (13818642z) Winning Trainer of Stage Star Paul Nicholls being interviewed The Cheltenham Festival 2023, Day Three, Horse Racing, Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, UK – 16 Mar 2023 Credit: Rex PAUL NICHOLLS has received a major pre-season boost with the return of a familiar face at his yard. The 14-time champion trainer failed to fire at the major festivals last campaign. Paul Nicholls received a major boost as he welcomed superstar horse Caldwell Potter back into work at Dictheat He did land the Midlands Grand National the day after Cheltenham finished but also lost a key ally in the shape of top owner Johnny de la Hey. Stable jockey Harry Cobden left to take up his role as JP McManus’ No1 jockey too. Sights are firmly set on the 2026-27 National Hunt season now, though, and a key part of his team will be the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned Caldwell Potter. The Grade 1-winning Mildmay novice chase hero and Jack Richards handicap winner was ruled out of last season entirely. He picked up a small injury after galloping at Newbury in October and Nicholls said after consulting vets and the horse’s owners that he needed time. However, he appears right as rain again now as Nicholls posted a photo of the grey enjoying his job once more. Nicholls wrote on X: “Great to have Caldwell Potter back in work.” The horse was a world-record purchase for Sir Alex when he and some pals bought the Grade 1-winning novice hurdler in February 2024. Most read in Horse Racing Previously trained by Gordon Elliott, he went under the hammer at the Andy and Gemma Brown dispersal sale. FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now