Lucky Break

by Paul Nicholls

Paul Nicholls is the former jockey who began training in 1991. Gradually he built up a reputation as one of the most astute and successful trainers in the business, with a special knack for getting it right on the big occasions. His depth of resources meant that on a unique occasion at Wincanton in January 2006, he became the first trainer ever to have six winners on a card. But it is for his role as the trainer of horses such as See More Business, Kauto Star, and Denman—all of them Cheltenham Gold Cup winners—that he is best known. In this revealing and honest memoir, Champion Trainer Nicholls explains how he got to the top of his sport, and provides a fascinating insight into his methods and to the horses, jockeys, and owners that have helped him achieve so much. Packed with insider stories that all race fans will love and a foreword from Sir Alex Ferguson, this is without doubt the essential racing book of 2009.

Genres: Biography

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[[FO] Seán_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every bit of it never got boring. Thanks for a great read Paul Nicholls : )

[A.M. Swink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This autobiography reads very easily, thanks in no small part to Jonathan Powell's work shaping Nicholls' remembrances into a cogent narrative. Nicholls doesn't shy away from his low points and shortcomings, though he doesn't dwell on them excessively, either. What the reader instead comes away with is an impression of a man who is dedicated to training racehorses above all else. The amount of detail that he uses to describe conditioning his superstars, and the clear affection he clearly holds for these animals, underline just why Nicholls is such a successful trainer. The book closes out with Kauto Star and Denman at the apex of their careers, two superstars that are as prominent characters in the book as Ruby Walsh and Nicholls himself. An extremely readable, knowledgeable insight into an elite National Hunt trainer's yard.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was and still am a huge Kauto Star fan, I did buy this book because of that horse to read more about him. However, I really enjoyed reading about Paul Nicholls life, I new nothing of what Paul had done before Kauto Star came into his life, and I must admit his honest accounts made for a very interesting reading. I would highly recommend this book, even if you are not a Kauto Star fan, but just love National hunt racing, it makes for a fascinating read.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a horse racing fan and equestrian enthusiast there are many horses that stand out to me as most remarkable athletes within their chosen field; whether that be jumping over the highest of fences at Hickstead or the Eventing dream ride for Piggy French at Badminton horse trials, I could quite easily make a list of top racehorses that have gone down in history books as world-class greats. Paul Nicholls is an incredible and well established racing trainer whose horse Kauto Star has really stood out as an impressive creature, winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice in a row. His noble face makes for a striking front cover to this autobiography of a most remarkable man, who had what he calls a ‘lucky break’ in his training career and something which I feel is most deserved. This narrative is an honest account of Paul Nicholl’s astonishing transformation from a keen pony lover and amateur jockey to a record breaking champion horse trainer, with over one thousand seven hundred winners over jumps. He stands at the very pinnacle of the sport with many big-race victories including those achieved by two stand-out horses; Kauto Star and Denman (also known affectionately as ‘the tank’). Fast-paced and exciting you are taken on a most extraordinary journey from Gymkhana’s at the Pony Club and pony racing on flighty little animals to when Paul’s dreams of becoming a jockey were crushed due to his weight and the years of torment when he rode at two stone under his natural weight. This determined and single-minded man then turned to the training of these magnificent creatures and started up a yard from nothing, with eight horses and very small savings alongside limitless ambition and willpower. The rivalry between Martin Pipe (another incredible trainer) and Paul is explained in all intensity, as too is the story of my two favorite racehorses who won the Gold Cup at Cheltenham three times between them.
This is a compelling and truly fascinating sports biography that is uplifting, enthusing and thought-provoking to the core about a man who fought hard to get to the top. Overcoming all obstacles along the way Paul Nicholls journey is one of hardship, willpower and fortitude that would inspire many a horse rider or individual who has a career or dreams of a career within the equine industry in any sphere. Complete with beautiful photographs of his life, family and riding pursuits this is a book to treasure as to are the wonderful photographs within of the phenomenal Kauto Star and the lovely Denman being two distinctive horses that Paul Nicholls has been most lucky with. This insight into the not always so glamorous world of horse racing and tough world of training is quite breathtaking, and at the same time candid in its honesty where Paul tells all to his readers. Any equestrian cannot help but be touched by this man’s tale of dreams and aspirations, of hardship, fortitude and love for a sometimes fickle sport that is based on chance and a lot of luck.

[Hilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must for national hunt racing fans, those who think they know this great racehorse trainer and whether they think good or bad of him really should read this book. It might change your opinion, it did mine, and definitely for the better, I have so much more respect for Paul now. His love of horses is second to none!

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good autobiography as it tells you things you didn't really know much about. Some great stuff about Timmy Murphy and Martin Pipe and David Barons.