If you’ve followed jump racing for any length of time, you know Paul Nicholls horses to follow from Ditcheat are never short of storylines. The champion trainer has had to juggle a few departures and a couple of retirements across the summer, but that doesn’t change the basic truth.
When the clocks go back and the ground turns honest, his horses start shaping the winter. You rarely get fluff here; you get plans, rhythm and a squad built to peak when it counts.
This guide is the pub version of a stable tour: plain English, no spreadsheets, and a focus on the horses most likely to make your Saturdays more fun. I’ve picked ten—some pin-up names, some still getting paint on the canvas—but all of them with the class or the profile to give you something to shout about between now and spring. And if you want a wider perspective, don’t miss my full Horses to Follow 2025/26 Jumps Season guide where I bring together key names from across the scene
Before we get into it, a quick housekeeping note. A few big names have moved on—Stage Star has been retired, Bravemansgame has switched yards to France, and Ginny’s Destiny has left Ditcheat—so we’ll keep our eyes on those who are very much in the building for 2025/26.
We’ll keep this guide updated as Paul Nicholls’ horses run throughout the 2025/26 jumps season — check back weekly for race results, performances and form insights.
How Nicholls builds a season (no jargon, just the rhythm)
Every trainer has a pattern; Ditcheat’s is easy to spot once you know what to look for.
October is about loosening the screws—quiet spins, a novice getting a look at fences, a prep where the aim is rhythm not fireworks.
November is reconnaissance with intent: better ground, targeted races and the odd “we like him a lot at home” line that’s rarely accidental.
If you want to keep track of how the whole season unfolds, bookmark our full National Hunt 2025/26 calendar with every key date marked out.
December is where the band kicks in. Kempton’s flat right-handed track suits plenty of Nicholls horses. By January the yard graph is usually trending up: schooling slick, lungs open, placements clever.
It’s not about chasing headlines mid-winter; it’s about getting to March still moving forwards.
The tells? When Nicholls says one is “coming to hand” or gets a “freshen-up” after a hard race, take him at face value. Ditcheat gallops are a truth serum.
Horses who stay, stay. Horses who quicken, quicken. That’s why his best novices often look like proper chasers second time round—learning runs now, bigger prizes later.
Paul Nicholls horses to follow – the Ditcheat 2025/26 list
(Order loosely by division so you can plan your notebooks.)
Pic d’Orhy – the class compass at 2m4f–2m6f
If you want a horse who sets the tone for the yard, it’s Pic d’Orhy. He’s not fashion, he’s function—fast enough to control a good race, tough enough to keep pressing when the pressure comes. He retained the Grade 1 Ascot Chase in February and did it with that trademark, roll-your-shoulders authority that says “catch me if you can.” It also ended a rare Grade 1 lean spell for the trainer and reminded everyone why Ascot is this horse’s playground.
How to follow: He’s happiest when he can see his fences and dictate. Flat, right-handed tracks suit; spring targets like Aintree have often been on his dance card. Keep him firmly onside until the form tells you otherwise.
Update – November 1, 2025
Pic D’Orhy made a solid start to his 2025/26 jumps season at Wetherby, finishing second in a competitive 3m Class 1 event won by Djelo. Ridden by Harry Cobden and sent off at 5/1 with an OR of 162, he set the pace for much of the race but couldn’t quite fend off the winner late on. Still, it was a strong effort in high-class company—Ga Law finished third, Hewick fourth, and The Real Whacker fifth—showing that Pic D’Orhy retains plenty of ability and remains a force in top-level chases.
Kalif Du Berlais – the natural over fences with proper gears
Some novices jump like they were born to it; Kalif Du Berlais is one of those. He travelled like a good horse all winter. Then he turned the Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) into a statement at Aintree in April. Speed, accuracy, and the kind of neatness at a fence that wins real races—he’s the sort who makes two miles feel long for the opposition.
How to follow: Treat him like a high-class two-miler with the option to stretch to intermediate trips as he matures. When the ground is sound and the fences come thick and fast, he’s lethal.
Update – November 7, 2025
A disappointing start to the 2025/26 jumps campaign for Kalif Du Berlais, who could manage only fourth in a Class 1 contest at Exeter over 2 miles in a field of six. Sent off 13/8 favourite with an official rating of 156 and an RPR of 146, he raced prominently throughout and travelled well for much of the way, but was outpaced in the closing stages by Thistle Ask, Saint Segal, and JPR One. He’ll need to step forward from this run to get back to his best.
Caldwell Potter – spring steel and a big-ticket ceiling
Big price tag, bigger temperament: Caldwell Potter has the poise of an old pro. He gave Nicholls his 50th Cheltenham Festival winner in March by making virtually all in the new Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase. That wasn’t hype. It was a young chaser doing grown-up things on the right day. The engine is there, and the mind looks equally polished.
How to follow: He’s a horse to build a campaign around. Expect selective targets through the winter and something meaningful in the spring when his stamina and organisation count most.
Rubaud – slick, sharp, and learning fast over fences
Rubaud always had gears over hurdles; the switch to fences added a chassis. He dug in to win the Pendil Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) at Kempton in February, a race Nicholls has basically made a pet project over the years. Jumping on the sharp side, travel sweet, kick when it matters—he’s got the template you want for an upwardly mobile second-season chaser.
How to follow: Follow the placements. Small fields and slick tracks let his rhythm shine; a spring spin when the ground turns good could be the day he really impresses you.
Update (October 20, 2025): Rubaud kicked off his new jumping season in style with a commanding victory at Kempton in a Class 1 contest featuring four runners. Sent off the 10/11 favourite, he fully justified market confidence. Racing off an official rating of 148, he posted an RPR of 149 — an excellent performance that confirmed he’s returned in top form and remains one to keep firmly on the radar this season.
Update – November 8, 2025
Rubaud maintained the strong impression he left three weeks ago, winning a Class 1 contest at Wincanton over 1m7f in a field of four. Sent off a short-priced 1/8 favourite with an official rating of 149, he travelled smoothly throughout and asserted readily in the home straight to win with authority. He looks in excellent form at this stage of the season.
Blueking d’Oroux – the honest stayer hurdler you want in your multiples
Not every hero wears a cape; some just keep finding. Blueking d’Oroux grafted all winter. Then he landed the Select Hurdle (Grade 2) at Sandown in April, out-toughing a good rival in a proper duel. He’s the type to keep the scoreboard ticking—sound jumper, big tank, willing in a finish.
How to follow: He’s a ground-and-rhythm horse. Pick spots with pace on and no daft tactics; he’ll claw away at your accas in the best possible sense.
Update (October 20, 2025): Blueking d’Oroux made his seasonal reappearance on October 18 at Newton Abbot, finishing second in a Class 2 race with four runners. Sent off a short-priced favourite at 2/9, he was beaten by Riskintheground (7/1). Running off an OR of 151, he earned an RPR of 130. His jumping lacked fluency at times and he was headed over the final hurdle — definite room for improvement next time out.
Update – November 8, 2025
Blueking d’Oroux showed clear improvement compared to his run three weeks ago, winning a Class 1 contest at Wincanton over 2m4f in a field of five. Sent off favourite this time, he duly delivered, running off an official rating of 147 — four pounds lower than on his previous start. He raced in second for much of the way, made a mistake at the 11th, but recovered strongly to take the lead after the last and stayed on well to the line. A much better display, suggesting he’s starting to come into his own this season.
Kandoo Kid – Coral Gold Cup winner with National dreams
Every season needs a staying chaser who makes you brave, and Kandoo Kid fits the brief. He won the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury—still the “Hennessy” to half the parade ring. He looked like a horse crying out for Aintree’s big adventure later in the year. He has scope, stamina and a straightforward way of going that makes life easy for his jockey.
How to follow: You want him in real staying tests with honest fractions. If the word “Aintree” appears in the plan again, take the hint—he’s already shown he handles the place.
Stay Away Fay – patience play with a long-distance engine
It hasn’t all been plain sailing since his Albert Bartlett in 2023. But if you’re writing off a big, scopey stayer after a stop-start spell, you haven’t watched enough jump racing.
He lined up for the Grand National in April and didn’t complete. But the point is the profile: stamina, size, and the kind of raw materials that can click with a clearer run of things.
How to follow: You’re betting on the horse finding rhythm again. Give him a clean round on a stiff track and he’ll make your shortlist the minute the distance starts with a “3”.
Captain Teague – classy type on the slow-burn chaser route
Winner of the Challow Hurdle as a novice, Captain Teague began his chasing education last season. He showed plenty of raw ability and a bit of greenness, including a placed effort in the Grade 2 John Francome at Newbury.
The shape of him screams “second-season improver.” He’s the sort who’ll look a different horse after a winter of schooling.
How to follow: Intermediate trips feel right, with room to stretch once the penny fully drops. Expect the plan to be patient and the payoff to arrive when the fences get serious.
Regent’s Stroll – the record buy who looks the business
Regent’s Stroll is the horse everyone in a bookmaker’s queue knows about—bought for a record £660,000 and still very much a Ditcheat project. The key bit is he’s not just a price tag: he looked a natural when winning over hurdles, then boosted confidence again in March.
Tall, scopey, and the kind who improves as the tests get more grown-up.
How to follow: Believe the shape rather than the reputation. He’s a chaser-in-waiting—give him time, pick the right ground, and by spring you may be watching a very smart horse in proper company.
Jubilee Alpha – the mare with speed, polish and plenty of sass
Do not sleep on the mares’ programme; Nicholls certainly doesn’t. Jubilee Alpha won a Listed mares’ novice at Taunton in January and added another Listed strike at Cheltenham in April. It was the sort of campaign that says “we’re going places.”
She travels, she jumps, she competes—exactly the traits that cash cheques in mares’ races through winter.
How to follow: Keep her onside whenever the calendar says “mares only.” She’s efficient at her obstacles and turns races into tests of neatness and nerve—her kind of exam.
Update – November 8, 2025
Jubilee Alpha couldn’t get her head in front on seasonal debut but ran a solid race to finish second in a Class 2 contest at Wincanton over 2m5f in a field of seven. Sent off 5/4 favourite with an official rating of 137, she was held up early before making smooth progress after the third fence. However, a mistake two out proved costly, allowing Sweet Caryline to get past. According to her jockey, she would likely have won but for that late error — still a very promising effort to start her campaign.
Paul Nicholls horses to follow 2025/26 – summary table
| Horse | Division/Trip | Key Achievement (recent) | Main Strength | 2025/26 Angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pic d’Orhy | 2m4f–2m6f chaser | Back-to-back Ascot Chase (G1) | Class & control | Standard bearer at intermediate trips, still top level |
| Kalif Du Berlais | 2m novice chaser | Maghull Novices’ Chase (G1) | Slick, natural jumper | Looks the new two-mile star, option to step up later |
| Caldwell Potter | 2m4f novice chaser | Cheltenham Festival winner (handicap chase) | Big engine, organised | Spring campaign horse, built for Grade 1 company |
| Rubaud | 2m–2m4f chaser | Pendil Novices’ Chase (G2) | Speed + polish | Second-season chaser bump, scope for more |
| Blueking d’Oroux | Stayer hurdler (2m4f–3m) | Select Hurdle (G2, Sandown) | Honest, tough, durable | Perfect for valuable staying hurdles through winter |
| Kandoo Kid | Staying chaser (3m+) | Coral Gold Cup (Hennessy) win | Stamina + straightforward | Possible National type; big Saturdays ahead |
| Stay Away Fay | Staying chaser (3m+) | Albert Bartlett (G1, 2023) + Grand National run | Scope + stamina | Needs rhythm but still has the engine for top staying races |
| Captain Teague | Novice/intermediate chaser | Challow Hurdle (G1, 2023) + novice chase places | Class, improving frame | Classic second-season improver |
| Regent’s Stroll | Young hurdler/soon chaser | Record £660k buy + novice wins | Size, scope, potential | A project horse to follow as fences loom |
| Jubilee Alpha | Mare (2m–2m4f) | Dual Listed wins (Cheltenham & Taunton) | Speed & neat jumper | Likely to dominate mares’ races, more to come |
For up-to-date stats, entries and results, you can also check Paul Nicholls’ trainer profile on Racing Post
Update (26 October 2025): Not on our original list, but Hitman made a statement on his seasonal debut at Aintree, landing a Class 1 in impressive style. Sent off at 9/1 off a mark of 153 on good to soft ground, he travelled and jumped with real authority — a reminder that Paul Nicholls still has another serious player in his team for the 2025/26 jumps season. One to keep firmly on the radar.
How to use this list without losing your shirt
1) Follow the rhythm, not the noise
Paul Nicholls horses to follow tend to run on a seasonal arc. Early runs are information-gathering; mid-winter is for confidence and conditioning; late winter into spring is when the screws are tight. If a Nicholls horse runs a tidy second off a break in November, smile. That’s data, not disaster.
2) Listen for the tells
Stable comments matter here. “Coming to hand” means nearly there. “Freshen-up” means circle the next entry. A rise in trip is rarely a guess—it’s usually backed up by the gallops.
3) Trust the repeat plays
Kempton at Christmas, Ascot in mid-winter, selective raids at Aintree and Sandown—these are well-trodden paths for Ditcheat stars. If a horse has a course he loves, assume they’ll return when conditions suit. Pic d’Orhy at Ascot is the classic example. Racing Post
4) Keep notes on ground
Nicholls is pragmatic with ground. Blueking d’Oroux is the poster boy for picking your battles on a sound surface; others—like tough stayers—will tolerate more. The yard will usually steer you right in the pre-race chat.
Seven quick “pub rules” for following Ditcheat this season
- Be patient with the big frames. The likes of Captain Teague and Stay Away Fay won’t always dazzle in November; judge them in February and March.
- Respect the second-season chaser bump. Rubaud is a classic “more to come” type once the penny fully drops.
- Note the target tracks. Pic d’Orhy + Ascot = happy days.
- Watch owners’ plans. Regent’s Stroll and Caldwell Potter sit in ownership groups who like big days—entries will tell tales.
- Don’t overlook mares’ races. Jubilee Alpha looks tailor-made for a busy, profitable campaign.
- Stayers pay the bills. Kandoo Kid’s Newbury strike was no fluke—it’s the kind of staying profile that turns into spring fun.
- Form blips aren’t fatal. Nicholls has been here before; momentum can flip in a week. When it does, it often stays flipped.
Paul Nicholls horses to follow – final thoughts and shortlist
You don’t need a spreadsheet to follow this lot, just a notebook and a sense for timing. If you want the simple version, it’s this:
- Pic d’Orhy – standard bearer at intermediate trips; when he’s purring, Ditcheat is humming.
- Kalif Du Berlais – natural jumper with Grade 1 speed; spine of the two-mile map.
- Caldwell Potter – spring horse with big-race craft; the Festival win proved plenty.
- Rubaud – slick chaser on the rise; Kempton win reads well for what’s next.
- Blueking d’Oroux – honest, tough and effective when the ground is right.
- Kandoo Kid – the staying chaser to dream with; Newbury win screams Aintree ambitions.
- Stay Away Fay – keep the faith; the engine is still there.
- Captain Teague – slow-burn class, likely to leap forward this term.
- Regent’s Stroll – the record buy who looks more substance than sticker price.
- Jubilee Alpha – mares’ ace with more to come.
Follow the rhythm. Listen for the tells.
And when one of these lands a tidy Saturday pot, I’ll see you at the bar. First round on whoever ignored Pic d’Orhy at Ascot—again. And if you want more, dive into my full Horses to Follow series where I cover other top trainers like Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Nicky Henderson
Leave a Reply