Who finds Paul Nicholls more likeable than Nicky Henderson? I should add I've never met either - I just mean in terms of interviews etc. The forum seems full of love for NH and I've never quite been sure why - there isn't much to separate the two in my mind, but I think if I was an owner, I'd have my horse at Ditcheat.
Oh dear. Is this a daily thread regular? Should have thought about it, I think I'm maybe not a regular enough visitor to the DT to know what's been done to death... Ignore this if it's likely to result in messiness - it was more a genuine "is there something historical I don't know about, or is it based on general demeanors?" than a wish to start an argument.
Apologies DP. This is a unique thread in it's premise and is sure to elicit some interesting and contrasting opinions I've always like both tbh.
I find them both likeable to be honest, but in very different ways. PN is the consumate modern professional, very articulate in his interviews, very open and honest on his views and (despite what some people think) I do believe he tries to give the punter the best information he can in his Betfair column. Obviously the horses sometimes surprise him too!! But a thoroughly likeable chap who I don't begrudge a moment of his success. Nicky Henderson is much more "old school" and has a bit more of a rogueish element for me - the twinkle in his eye and the upper class accent play up to that perfectly. Yet at the same time he is gracious, magnanimous and very respectful towards his fellow professionals. For me there is no better traner of a hurdler than the master of Seven Barrows. BTW Danish, I think it's only Sir Barney Chuckles who refers to Mr Henderson in such glowing terms and has proffered him the monicker of "The Forum's Favourite Trainer". The rest of us just follow suit to take the piss out of SBC
I thank you! I've not dealt with Paul Nichols so can't comment on him on a personal level, and my feelings for Nicky Henderson are well documented
Both very likeable fella's, If I had to make a preference though it would be Paul Nicholls. I'll never forget how the emotion got to him when interviewed by CH4 after Denman defied top weight in his second Hennessy win - He wears his heart on his sleeve, Always gives a thorough interview and I find his Betfair column very informative And his handling of Kauto Star amongst many as been nothing short of remarkable, A great trainer.
If I was 'in' with the stable cheat ups then I'd probably have more time for NH, sadly I'm not so for me it's Nicholls.....
Oddy, that’s Outrageous with a capital ‘O’. Hang your head in shame. I’m sure such a scenario has never existed. Well...maybe no more than a dozen times a day at any rate! I’ve always had maximum respect and admiration for both chaps. They are at the top of their game and quite literally are miles in advance of any other NH trainer right now. In fact along with such equine stars as Kauto Star, Big Bucks and Long Run and the recently retired legends such as Denman and Barbers Shop they are the leading marketable tools and USP’s for the NH sport. Of the 2 of them Mr Henderson would always be my pick and if I ever had the luxury of owning a horse with unlimited potential then he would be the trainer I’d opt to send the beast to as he’s a master of his profession and, in my view, the best in the business. Plus, he’s a gentleman of the highest order which can be bourne out by the fact that when Kauto Star won both the ‘Betfair Chase’ and the ‘King George VI’ (beating his Long Run into 2nd in the process) Mr Henderson was the first to congratulate his rival connections. Crickey, he even paid them the honour of doffing his hat as he did so! Whilst the man’s popularity on the racetrack is beyond massive. I know I’ve told the tale before but when Punchestowns won at Newbury and gave him his 2,000th winner, a while back, racegoers afterwards were queing up to kiss him, hug him, pat him on the back and warmly shake his hand. In fact so many admirers and congratulants had he that the Executive had to prolong Punchestowns stay in the ‘Winners Enclosure’ to wait for his victorious trainer. Let’s not critisce either of them, people, just enjoy their talents to the full as it’s so rare to encounter such training legends as these chaps.
Surely every owner in the NH hunt game wants to win either the National or the Gold Cup... Only one of the big two as both on his CV If your ambition is to win the Champion Hurdle, Nicky is the man The Gold Cup or National and its Nicholls hands down, Hes an absolute master with chasers
I always liked old man Pipe myself. A proper loveable rogue if ever there was one, and a master at dealing with the media. But if I could afford to have horses in training today, they'd go to Charlie Mann and Gary Moore, and I'd be neck deep in the proceeds of my handicap plots.
I think Nicky is charming but get the impression Paul is more of a punters friend. Nicholls is generally very fair with his Betfair column and other than the Sandown chase winner that went on to contest the champion chase, he was bang on. Paul is about to go through a big test when we see Kauto step down from racing. Where will he bounce back?
Obviously I've not met either man, but from the film I've seen, I'd like to spend time in the company of Hendo. More fun me thinks.
I lkike Paul nicholls a lot. I've never really had an opinion on Nicky Henderson one way or the other.
