Q: Ben – Nico , in your honest opinion, which horse did you get a better feel whilst riding. Shishkin or Sir Gino? And if the latter, how good could he be?
A: Sir Gino has got a long way to go but he couldn’t have started off any better.
Aaron Stone – How would you rate the feel you got off Sir Gino compared to the likes of some of Nicky’s other top novices in the past?
He has all the attributes to rank alongside them.
Slingo – Has there been any horses that you have ridden that you had low expectations of before hand but turned out to be an incredible horse?
Plenty, but probably Santini. It is normally the stayers that surprise you.
Dave Hadden – Hi Nico, I have always wanted to know if, with the obvious benefit of hindsight, whether you thought that if you had taken Santini through the gap between Al Boum Photo and LostInTranslation, that you would have got up? Genuine question and not a dig, would have been a 50/50 call.
This highlights the conflict between what the spectator and the jockey see. They are two different things. Santini just didn’t quite have the boot to take the gap.
Kyle Curran – Do you think Nicky can have more winners than Mullins at the Festival in March?
We may have our work cut out there but we will try…
Ben Homans – If you could change one thing about National Hunt Racing, what would it be and why? Also, what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Bring all the factions under one roof and have one person calling the shots. As for the advice it is to keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.
Joe – What is your favourite takeaway?
Indian all day long.
Racing Fan – If you had to box someone else in racing for charity, who would you choose?
Paddy Brennan, obviously.
Carl Hinchy – Nico we know you have ice in your veins and no one can compare with you on the big day. How much do you put this down to a glass of Krug in the mornings?
Carl has good taste.
Rob White – Are there any horses you’ve schooled/ridden out at Ditcheat that you wish were at Seven Barrows?
Jubilee Alpha, who won at Taunton over Christmas.
Justin – If riding for Nicky full time wasn’t an option and you had to choose another to ride for, which trainer from the current crop in the UK would you opt for?
Nigel Twiston-Davies, as it’d certainly be fun.
Comrade Loafy Monolulu – Is there any horse you actually look forward to seeing?
All of them, providing they are all healthy.
Stuart Akister – Will you be retiring if you get a decent winner at Cheltenham to go out on?
I am only 35.
Richard Long Racing – How good do you think Jingko Blue could be?
He has got a bit to prove but he was impressive at Uttoxeter.
Mark Halliday – What’s your favourite and least favourite tracks in the UK?
Cheltenham is my favourite. As for my least favourite? Well, I have ridden at all of the jumps tracks and Sedgefield is the only place where I haven’t had a winner (with the exception of the recently re-opened Windsor and the closed Folkestone) and I probably won’t be in a rush to rectify that…
RG Horseracing – The “frenzy” of Cheltenham and battling against the Irish it’s Henderson (+Skelton) who provides the main graded ammo. With media attention (good & bad) with stars like Altior, Shishkin, Constitution Hill, Sir Gino etc, do you feel the pressure and stress considering you are a man of age now?
Man of age? Is he having a dig at my hairline?
Rickowhat – Are you looking forward to raising lots of money for the school in Cirencester, when taking on the Weakest Link, hosted by the original legend Anne Robinson ? Do you think you have what it takes to win & be the strongest link?
This is happening next Saturday after racing at Ascot. It should be a good evening.
Shockster – Is Califet En Vol fit and well? The 2nd to The New Lion looks very good now?
I saw him this morning. We are set to step up his work now and you should see him towards the end of the month.
Yorkie Pud – Do you feel that there are too many similar races at the Cheltenham Festival, and that they could be condensed to make it more of a best in class festival?
Definitely. I am a firm believer in less is more.
Jack – When you say that Constitution Hill took a blow going to the last, what exactly does that mean? Have a rough idea just want clarification that I’m not a complete idiot.
When a horse is not 100pc fit, you physically feel them inhale and exhale and then get their second wind. When they are at 100pc fitness, you don’t feel anything.
John – Have you any aspirations to take charge at Seven Barrows once Mr Henderson retires?
No. I am happy taking each day at it comes as a jockey, thanks.
Russell Payne – Hi Nico Is it ok to have a dash of blackcurrant in your Guinness at Cheltenham festival week? Thanks
What? A straight Guinness is fine.
Scott MG – After racing, who’s the longest in the shower?
I am not in the habit of watching other people shower, Scott…
Joe – Favourite farm animal?
A pig. And I can tell the vegans that they taste nice, too…
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