Renowned trainer Paul Nicholls has declared the recent Cheltenham Festival a welcome departure from the high-stakes tension of previous years, characterising the 2025 event as one with "no drama." The champion handler, based at his Ditcheat stables in Somerset, is now setting his sights firmly on future success at the iconic meeting.
A Festival of Calm and Consistency
In a refreshing change of pace, Nicholls described this year's Cheltenham as a smooth and enjoyable experience. The festival, held from Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th March 2025, provided a stark contrast to the nail-biting finishes and near-misses that have sometimes defined his campaigns. This sense of calm allowed the team to fully appreciate their achievements without the weight of overwhelming pressure.
The yard's performance was built on a foundation of solid results rather than a single headline-grabbing victory. While the coveted championship trainer's title ultimately went to Irish powerhouse Willie Mullins, Nicholls' horses ran with credit and consistency across the four days. This dependable showing has reinforced the strength and depth of his operation.
Building the Next Generation of Stars
With the current season drawing to a close, Nicholls' attention has already turned to development and future planning. A key part of his strategy involves nurturing young talent, with several promising novices earmarked for significant campaigns next term. The focus is on steady progression, aiming to peak at the right moment for the major festivals.
One horse generating considerable excitement is Stay Away Fay. The talented seven-year-old, owned by the Done, Ferguson, Mason and Woodland partnership, is being prepared for a step up in distance. Nicholls revealed plans to target the National Hunt Chase at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, a race traditionally run over four miles. This marathon test is seen as the ideal challenge for the staying power the gelding has shown.
The training philosophy at Ditcheat remains centred on patience and the long-term view. Nicholls emphasised that he is not driven by the need for constant, immediate headlines but by the satisfaction of developing horses to their full potential over time. This methodical approach has been the bedrock of his enduring success.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
The ultimate ambition, as always, is to reclaim the top spot at the Cheltenham Festival. Nicholls acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by the dominant Irish stables, led by Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, but views it as a motivator rather than a deterrent. The goal is to build a team capable of competing across all disciplines, from the championship races to the handicaps.
Reflecting on the sport's landscape, Nicholls expressed a firm belief in the health of British jump racing. He pointed to the quality of horses in his care and the enthusiasm of owners willing to invest in the game. The "no drama" festival of 2025 has provided a stable platform from which to launch his next assault on racing's greatest prizes.
The coming months will be crucial. Summer training, planning race programmes, and assessing the new intake of horses will all shape the prospects for the 2025/26 season. For Paul Nicholls and his team, the work towards a more dramatic and triumphant return to Cheltenham glory has already begun.
