Horse trainer Paul Nicholls has been friends with Sir Alex Ferguson for many years, and the 14-time champion has opened up on some advice given to him by the Manchester United legend
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Sir Alex Ferguson's wise words still resonate with champion trainer Paul Nicholls
Sir Alex Ferguson's wise words still resonate with champion trainer Paul Nicholls
(Image: Getty)
Champion horse trainer Paul Nicholls has opened up about some game-changing guidance he received from iconic Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The revered Red Devils figurehead, who became a prominent name in horse ownership with record-breaker Rock Of Gibraltar in the early 2000s, has only deepened his involvement in the sport since hanging up his managerial boots. Now at 83, it's believed that Ferguson has over 30 horses in training, many of which are with Nicholls, a 14-time champion jumps trainer himself.
Both sporting giants have developed a strong and mutually respectful bond over the years, often drawing on each other's experience as titans in their fields. Now, Nicholls has disclosed a piece of advice from Ferguson that he'll always remember - and one that aided him in navigating some of his career's toughest calls.
"Alex, I mean, he's a winner, as you know. He just wants winners," said Betfair ambassador Nicholls. "You wouldn't give Alex advice, would you? Well, I mean, perhaps on betting, you might. He loves a little bet. But to be honest with you, always just be honest with him and tell him as it is, and whether he likes it or he doesn't like it, he always takes it on the chin.
"Back in the day, I can remember having little issues with some of the jockeys, and I needed a bit of... He was brilliant then. He'd help me out, you know.
The horse will now join British champion trainer Paul Nicholls and list Sir Alex Ferguson as one of his owners.
Nicholls has long been involved with Man Utd icon Ferguson
"'Don't be afraid of making tough decisions. No decision is no good. You have to make decisions. Any decision is better than no decision, but don't be afraid of making tough decisions.' And I just always remember him saying that."
Perennial champion Nicholls also shared how he sought Ferguson's counsel in 2018 when deciding to appoint young star Harry Cobden as his retained rider over Sam Twiston-Davies, reports the Mirror.
"And that's true - sometimes you have to make tough decisions," Nicholls added. "One of the toughest I ever had to do was when Harry Cobden replaced Sam Twiston-Davies as stable jockey. I found that incredibly hard because Sam was a good guy, but there was a big connection with Harry Cobden and the Barber family [prominent horse owners].
"Mr Barber was keen on Harry being number one in Ditcheat. Sam had done well. And that was a tough decision, and I remember talking to Alex in depth about it.
"He said, 'You've got to do what you've got to do, really. Look to the future, and don't be afraid of tough decisions. And hopefully, people will respect you more if you make tough decisions.' Not everyone likes it, but that's just the way it is."
To hear more from Betfair Ambassadors Paul Nicholls and Rachael Blackmore watch them on Betfair’s Racing… Only Bettor podcast Cheltenham preview special now here.