Nickle Back Makes the Grade!

Nickle Back ran a superb race to finish 2nd in the prestigious Grade 2 John Francome novice chase at Newbury on 1 December. After two impressive novice chasing wins at Warwick and Stratford – winning by an aggregate of 43 lengths, Nickle deserved to compete against top quality opposition. The race at Newbury included some of the best novice hurdlers of their generation who had now progressed to novice chasing. Ridden by James Best once again, Nickle immediately went into the lead and was five lengths up turning into the home straight. A slight mistake by Nickle gave the favourite (who was the very well regarded winner of last year’s Challow hurdle) the chance to edge ahead. Nickle battled to the line but had to settle for second place, beating other highly impressive horses in doing so. He, and we, have learned a lot from this race and we are confident that there are important wins to come from this lovely horse!

The photograph of James Best cantering Nickle to the start at Newbury is courtesy of Steve Cargill Photography.

NICKLE BACK (James Best)
Newbury 1 Dec 2023 – Pic Steven Cargill / Racingfotos.com

On 30 November, Templier, running for Yen Hall Farm Racing, was 2nd in a steeplechase at Lingfield following his win at Fakenham on 21 November. He is in excellent form and another win can’t be far away.

The yard has had 3 wins, 3 seconds and 2 thirds in just 11 runs in the last 12 days!