Pilot Profile - Nick Scholfield

Marie Bridgwater talks to top National Hunt jockey Nick Scholfield

Nick Scholfield has tasted success from a young age, being brought up on the Pony scene has certainly rounded him for his future - at just 14 Nick won at the illustrious HOYS (Horse Of The Year Show) & even had the honour of representing England & Ireland. In 2006, aged 16, he was champion novice rider, breaking all records to achieve a total of 24 winners, & in 2008 he emulated his Father & was crowned champion male amateur.

Having Equestrianism Etched in his DNA it’s no wonder he takes each success in his stride. As a teenager he joined one of the highest regarded yards in the country - Ditcheat, for Paul Nicholls. Since 2009 Nick has been 1st jockey to Andy Turnell in North Wiltshire, although retained by Andy, Nick still shares riding out between the two yards.

Now he is riding high amongst the top flight of young jockeys, having ridden over 100 winners under rules. Like most young jockeys Nick’s aspirations are to win an elusive grade 1 race - it was almost a reality when he got the call for Pride Of Dulcote, entered in the Leopardstown’s Hennessy Gold Cup, only for it to be abandoned on the morning due to a waterlogged track. It was rearranged a week later.

Nick has already had some mounts most young jockeys would dream of - from Gold Cup to Grand Nationals, pushing his total prize money well over the £1 million mark for his professional career.

What’s your favourite Racecourse?
It’s got to be Wincanton, it’s been lucky for me and it’s only 2 miles away from my home.

Did you always want to be a rider?
Yes, when I was 16 I started Point-to-Pointing and was fortunate enough to have joined Paul Nicholls’ yard.

How did you find school - were you pushed through education?
No I wasn‘t pushed, I enjoyed school - I achieved 11 GCSE’s.

Have your family always been supportive of you?
Yes, they’ve always supported me & come to watch me at our local tracks.

Do you think you would have become champion amateur without Nicholls?
No, he has good horses - it gives you a lot of confidence.

What’s your proudest moment?
Every winner I ride!

And in your eyes, what’s you failure?
Losing out in the conditionals championship, I was about 20 clear at one point and Rhys Flint caught me by 3 on the final day.

Which horse do you most look forward to riding?
Cornish Sett - He’s safely taken me round two Grand Nationals and always gives me a good ride.

In your career so far, what’s the best decision you’ve ever made?
Having Dave Roberts as my agent.

What’s been your worst day in racing?
Newbury this February, before I mounted my horse Marching Song collapsed in the paddock, along with Fenix Two. The cause was electrocution - an awful day for our sport.

You’ve achieved a lot at a young age; do you have any goals to aim for?
To ride a grade 1 winner - a Cheltenham Festival winner!

Marie Bridgwater