WITH the weather causing havoc up and down the country and meetings cancelled left, right and centre we took the time to catch-up with Unibet ambassador Nico… Enjoy!

 

@Jimbo_JumpsMan

What are your thoughts regarding Dame De Compagnie after Sandown? She was impressive at Ayr and has clearly been impressing at home as the team saw fit to run her in a Grade 1 contest against the boys at a tough jumping track like Sandown on just her second start over fences.

She was taken out by Hitman and the ground was hard work, but it was too early to say what would have happened. Don’t write her off yet, though.

@ciaranmcb90

Are you still confident that Shiskhin will win the Arkle after seeing Energumene’s impressive performance in Ireland last week?

If Allmankind does his thing at Warwick on Monday, then it could be a good three-way-go. But my horse is a class act though, and hopefully the class act.

@lucamorgan99 (jockey)

Hi Nico. What in your opinion is worse, David Bass’ dress sense or taste in music? Thanks

David’s taste in music is a bit different, more Radio 6 than Radio 1, but this has led to us going to some good gigs over the years. This does not excuse his dress sense however, which includes some horrors. And Luca should get off Twitter and back to evening stables….

@smithyjoe16

Nico, remember before 2016 Champion Chase. You said “ I just want to get upsides Uds , eyeball with sprinter and see what he’s made of. Is it very much a similar situation this year with Altior-Chacun?

Chacun would be different to Un De Sceaux but it would be good if they both get to the race this year and have the tussle they should have had last March.

@DamienWright

Hi Nico , I'm re-reading biography of Fred Archer it seems back in their day kidding other jockeys was common practice , making it look you had gone for everything to kid an opponent to commit early and then come with a true run later to pinch the race. Have you ever done this?

It may happen on the Flat but I have never seen it done in the jumps world, to be honest.

@goonersean10

Hi Nico! Are Dusart,Gallyhill and I Am Maximus the three best young horses in the yard? Also have you sat on Jonbon yet?

We have some talented youngsters coming through and the future is bright for all three you mention. As for Jonbon, I haven’t sat on him yet.

 

Gallyhill wins the first here today for @sevenbarrows and @NdeBoinville
Strike 1 on the board.. pic.twitter.com/lHKWXKy62x

— Newbury Racecourse (@NewburyRacing) January 20, 2021

 

@alicenabs

You’re riding out a driving finish between two horses, who is the one jockey you don’t want to look and see next to you?

Richard Johnson

@jakehughsie

Hello Nico, who impressed you the most from the DRF last week?

Willie Mullins.

@JJH1988

If you could take on any other jockey in a boxing match who would it be and why?

Felix de Giles. He is very handy, so it would at least be short and relatively painless due to an early knock-out.

 @TraceyDoxsey

You have ridden some pretty amazing horses over the years but if you had to pick your favourite who would it be and why?

I can’t pick a favourite but Casablanca Minx is a mare that always wears her heart on her sleeves and has never failed to impress me.

@ChrisColley2

Who do you think is a particularly well handicapped horse in the yard that will run at Cheltenham?

No comment!

@nickthedon1986

What's your best chance of a winner at Cheltenham other than Shiskin?

To be perfectly honest with you, nothing immediately springs to mind. It is a barren season in some areas, but hopefully my book of rides will become clearer in the coming weeks.

@Tom

What’s the plan for Allart do you know?

Obviously he was very impressive at Ascot and fell last time, but this is a question for the trainer and not the jockey.

@Dick_Bates

Hi Nico, you’re Nicky’s retained jockey but how does it work when you ride for other trainers Ben Pauling, Willie Mullins etc. Do they go via your agent or come to you direct or is it owners preference?

My agent Dave Roberts deals with it all and does a very good job.

@tonyashton57

Hi… Please give your thoughts on Hurling Magic? Could he have an outside chance of running at Cheltenham?

He is set to run at Exeter on Sunday, so that will tell us more. He was second to Shan Blue in his point back in 2018.

@Yvee

Fable looked very promising 1st time out. Where do you see her going next? Cheltenham?

She ran a great race at Wincanton last week and has come out of the race well. But plans for her are to be confirmed.

@Moshi

Do you think Santini is a National horse?

He certainly has all the right credentials but maybe this a year too soon for him. We shall see.

@PokemonHorse

What’s the plan for Gallyhill?

He is a very good jumper, will stay all day, and is a lovely chaser in waiting. But, as for his immediate plans, that is one for the trainer once again.