LEADING jockey and Unibet ambassador Nico de Boinville answers some of your questions from twitter

I’m not convinced it was just the trip with Shishkin as he was unrecognisable to the horse we know and love, has anything come to light? Is he worth another go at 2 miles? Thanks.

He came out of the Sandown race fine, though I think Nicky said he was a little sore afterwards maybe, and we could have another look at some stage. You never rule anything out in racing. But the plan is to run him in the Silviniaco Conti Chase next over 2m4f at Kempton on January 14, then we will re-assess.

How do you change your mindset when riding Altior, Constitution Hill etc in prestigious Graded races one day, then the following day a 4 hour trip to a bread and butter racecourse to ride a class 4 race? You always appear professional & personable

Interesting question.  It costs the same to have an Altior or Constitution Hill in training than it does a horse rated 100, so you do your best and be professional. You have a duty to the owners, first and foremost. You can have a great day when winning a 0-100 around Plumpton too, and you never know how good those horses will turn out to be. I mention Plumpton there and who would have thought Pentland Hills would have been winning a Triumph Hurdle on his next start when I went down to ride him in a maiden hurdle that day?

A horse you like in Nicky’s…but it has to be an under the radar one!

Not exactly under the radar, sorry, but Attacca did surprise me when winning at Cheltenham last time. He delighted me. I think we could step him up in trip.

What’s the feeling like when you give Constitution Hill a squeeze?

An instantaneous reaction. Most top-class horses tend to give you that immediate response. In car terms, it is instant torque.

What’s your favourite track to ride at not counting the home of NH Cheltenham?

Any of the London tracks, and Ascot, but the Sandown fences hold a special appeal to me.

Most testing fences at a UK course and how do fences compare to those in Ireland that look a bit smaller but stiffer?

Good question. This may get me into trouble over here, but there is a difference. Irish fences tend to be better made, with bigger green bellies that help horses jump better, I feel. And don’t get me wrong, they take plenty of jumping, too. The Punchestown fences are fully up to height.

Any news on Firestep?

He is working away and you will see him out in the New Year.

What’s the main goal you aspire to achieve in your career as a jockey that you haven’t yet?

I try not to set myself goals. I am more of a team player, so my main focus is to ensure Seven Barrows keeps its position at the top of the tree.

Do you intend on training in the future?

No. I have watched the best of the best do it, and it takes a unique character to be a trainer. That is not me.

Anything unraced that’s catching your eye Nico?

Nothing comes to mind to be honest, and I am being honest there. But if there was, I probably wouldn’t be allowed to tell you….

Do you know what the plan with Marie’s Rock might be? Do you think she would she stay 3 miles, opening up a race like the Stayers Hurdle?

Her first run this season will be over 2m4f, and it is just a matter of finding the right race for her. She may well stay 3m and you always keep your options open, but the plan is the mares’ hurdle for her once again.

Do you think Full Of Light could do with some headgear?

I think you are being harsh here. He has only had one over fences, after all.

Hi Nico if there was one horse you could ride that you have never ridden before who would it be?

That would be Istabraq.

Do you think Jet Powered is a Supreme horse?

We were obviously  all very impressed with him at Newbury and we hope he is a big talent, but the temptation in racing is to run before you walk. The important thing is to keep him on an upward curve.

And finally….What’s your favourite cheese?

I am not a cheese man, sorry. I actually have a very boring diet, mostly protein. You clearly have to watch what you eat as a jockey, and we actually have Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve here, with the racing in mind.