Part of one of the most famous families in National Hunt racing, the man born Herbert Charles Denton Nicholson inherited the nickname “Frenchie”, from his father who was also a trainer, while his son David “The Duke” Nicholson went on to become a legendary Champion Jump trainer.
Born in 1913, Nicholson, went almost straight into the saddle and, as a result, developed an early instinct of the understanding of equine psychology as well as balance, from a young age.
A natural talent, he became a top-tier National Hunt jockey during the 1930s and 1940s (following World War II) and was consistently successful throughout. However, he soon moved into training, following his retirement as a jockey and it was in this capacity where he really made his name.
Transition To Training
His yard; Prestbury Park in Cheltenham became iconic not purely for winners, but also the quality of the staff that it groomed and, because of his almost standalone ability to train not just horses, but people as well with equal effect he is often remembered fondly for the latter.
Taking in raw and often homesick teenagers, his stable was basically a finishing school for young jockeys who he turned into polished professionals.
Notoriously tough as a taskmaster, his yard was essentially a “school of hard knocks”, with apprentices lived a highly disciplined, almost monastic life, with Nicholson teaching a particular style of riding that combined a perfect balance and “quiet” hands in addition to being able to keep in rhythm with the horse without interference.
In addition to this, he was also responsible for the careers of 11-time Champion Flat Jockey, Pat Eddery, top-level Classic-winning jockey, Paul Cook and the man who rode Shergar, Walter Swinburn, among others.
Known for having a big heart and a tongue like a razorblade, he once famously pinned a young Eddery against a wall in an attempt to instill humility, ensuring that his young apprentices never let early success go to their heads and stayed hungry and focused.
Legacy Of A Luminary
Without a doubt, “Frenchie” was one of the most loved trainers in the game. Despite his tough training style, he was effectively a father figure to his apprentices, teaching not only horsemanship and riding but also “the life”.
Under him, his jockeys were expected to be respectful to owners and trainers, impeccably dressed, punctual and articulate in post-race interviews, conveying a balance between ethics and tactical awareness that essentially became the gold standard for flat and jump jockeys alike.
His son, David carried on these lessons which helped to produce the likes’ of Adrian Maguire and Richard Johnson, extending Frenchie’s influence into the 21st century.
An Enduring Influence
Being a “Frenchie Nicholson boy”, even long after his death in 1984, was effectively a badge of honour and one of the highest recommendations that a jockey could have in the weighing room.
Following his retirement from training, after his son took up the reins, Nicholson remained an elder statesman of the sport consulted with often by top racing authorities for his insight on the sport and practical knowledge of horsemanship.
There is a belief among many in the sport that without “Frenchie” the history of the British Classic races in the 1970s and 1980s would look a