David Nicholson

Background

Nicholson was the son of Frenchie Nicholson who was also a successful jockey and National Hunt trainer. As a young lad Nicholson was nicknamed "The Duke" by one of his father"s grooms.

Career

He was British jump racing Champion Trainer in the 1993-1994 and 1994-1995 seasons. lieutenant is a nickname that is still used to this day to describe him. As a jockey he rode 538 winners over jumps between 1955 and 1974 and came third in the jockey"s championship in the 1964-1965 season.

As a trainer he was one of the leading trainers in National Hunt racing during the 1980s and 1990s.

He retired in 1999. In 2008 an extra race was added to the Cheltenham Festival named the David Nicholson Mares" Hurdle in honour of Nicholson.

Achievements

• Cheltenham Gold Cup - (1) - Charter Party (1988) King George VI Chase - (1) - Barton Bank (1993) Queen Mother Champion Chase - (2) - Viking Flagship (1994, 1995) Melling Chase - (2) - Viking Flagship (1995, 1996) Stayers" Hurdle - (1) - Anzum (1999) Christmas Hurdle - (1) - Mighty Mogul (1992) Triumph Hurdle - (2) - Solar Cloud (1986), Mysilv (1994) Sun Alliance Novices" Hurdle - (2) - Thetford Forest (1992), Putty Road (1995) Arkle Challenge Trophy - (1) - Waterloo Boy (1989) Sefton Novices" Hurdle - (3) - Barton Bank (1992), Corner Boy (1994), Forest Ivory (1997) Tingle Creek Chase - (5) - Long Engagement (1987, 1989), Waterloo Boy (1991, 1992), Viking Flagship (1994) Whitbread Gold Cup - (1)- Call it a Day (1998) Mackeson Gold Cup - (2) - Very Promising (1986), Another Coral (1991).