Sam Twiston Davies was named last night as the new stable jockey to the powerful Paul Nicholls string and in doing so had to turn down some lucrative offers from two owners in the Nicky Henderson yard.
Twiston-Davies, 21, currently rides for his father, Nigel with The New One among his strong string, a ride that Sam Twiston-Davies will retain despite his new role.
Nicholls, this year, regained his Champion Trainers title having lost out in 2013 to Nicky Henderson however, fortunes turned for both trainers and Nicholls came out on top even with Henderson winning the final big race of the year at Sandown on Saturday with Hadrians Approach.
Although Silviniaco Conti will not be one of Twiston-Davies’s rides in the season ahead, with Noel Fehily holding onto that ride, the young rider will still be able to look forward to riding the likes of Al Ferof, Irish Saint, Rocky Creek and many more.
It is reported that Daryl Jacob, who was Nicholls main port of call last season, was offered the position but turned it down to ride as a freelance. Jacob is currently sidelined through injury.
Speaking with the Racing Post, Twiston-Davies said; ‘’It was certainly not an easy decision to accept the job as number-one retained jockey with Paul Nicholls.
“But he has some of the best jumpers in the country and I am in the game to ride good horses, so it makes common sense that if I ever want to be champion jockey the best way forward is to ride for the champion trainer.
“I obviously hope I have made the right decision and only time will tell but, whatever happens, I think I’m ready for this challenge and am looking forward to an exciting season with Paul.”
Champion Trainer, Paul Nicholls also commented by saying; Sam will have the pick of our team, with the exception that Noel [Fehily] keeps the ride on Silviniaco Conti.
“But it is also a two-way street as regards the top horses, and we have agreed that Sam will continue to partner The New One for his father next season.”
Nick Scholfield will be number two to Twiston-Davies, while Nicholls said he was also keen to give his nephew Harry Derham more rides.
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