TopSpec Trainer of the Quarter - François Nicolle

The TopSpec Trainer of the Quarter Award has been won by François Nicolle. Nicolle will receive £1000 worth of TopSpec feed, supplements and additives as well as a consultation with one of their senior nutritionists

By Katherine Ford

In France, ask a racegoer to name the top jumps trainer, and the answer will certainly come back without an instant of hesitation, “François Nicolle.” Outside the country, however, the professional is still somewhat under the radar. And yet, in 2021 the Royan-based handler is about to secure his fourth consecutive French trainers title after amassing almost €10 million in prize money—the double of his nearest rivals both geographically and in results, his South West France neighbours Guillaume Macaire and Hector de Lageneste.

With a stable of around 170 horses, Nicolle’s strike rate is as impressive as his bankroll in 2021, with a win ratio of over 20%. Indeed, his horses often have to settle for second or third best behind their stablemates in France’s most prestigious contests. 

This has been the case during the autumn with Nicolle trios dominating the Gr 2 Prix Georges Courtois at Auteuil and the Gr 2 Prix Leopold d’Orsetti at Compiègne, while he saddled the first two in the Gr 1 Prix Cambacarés hurdle during the feature weekend at Auteuil in November, as well as a fourth success in the Gr 1 Prix la Haye Jousselin with Poly Grandchamp. “We didn’t expect the win,” Nicolle said, “but it’s great to see an old campaigner like him lift a big prize.” 

Nevertheless, the important ‘48h of Jumping’ weekend could have been a great source of disappointment as stable star l’Autonomie was denied in her quest for a 17th career victory in the Gr 1 Grand Prix d’Automne when beaten by veteran and specialist of the race Galop Marin. 

Magnanimous in defeat, Nicolle’s initial reaction was, “We were beaten by a champion. This is Galop Marin’s race,” and with hindsight explained, “We didn’t choose the right tactical option in the race. It’s frustrating as the year is constructed around these big Group 1 races.” 

Kyrov and Gwen Richard on their way to winning the 2021 Prix Cambaceres

From an agricultural background, François Nicolle is never happier than when in his tractor working his training tracks; however, he has adapted well to the big time in Paris. Despite what could represent an organizational nightmare of long journeys from Royan to Auteuil (6 hours for the two-stall horsebox; 8 hours for the larger wagons), and often 10 or more runners at a meeting, he never belies an ounce of stress as his well-rehearsed team go about their business at the track. “Everyone knows their role, as the smallest detail can be important; and with the exception of an occasional hiccup, everything goes smoothly.” 

Throughout an afternoon’s racing, he is invariably found leaning against a bench in ‘his’ corner of the parade ring, observing as staff pass by with tack and jockeys for instructions, and above all, a steady stream of friends, rivals, well-wishers and media who are all received with the same twinkle in his eye, a smile and a joke. 

With the support of many of France’s most powerful owners and breeders, François Nicolle looks likely to dominate Auteuil for seasons to come, however he has a challenge still to fulfil. The trainer discovered British racing at Royal Ascot with his great friend Jean-Claude Rouget who invited him along to enjoy a well-timed success of Ervedya in the Coronation Stakes, and he vowed to return the favour at the Cheltenham Festival. A man of his word, he is waiting for the right horse to keep his promise.