“End of the Month”: After Rare Clouds Victory, Horse Racing Jockey James Best Unveils Nickelback’s Future Plans

Wincanton Horse Racing stands as a captivating spectacle that draws in seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It delivers an electrifying experience to every spectator, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. However, during the first race day of 2024 at Wincanton Racecourse on Saturday, January 6th, an unexpected event unfolded, adding an element of unpredictability to the day.

The recent victory of Rare Clouds (15-2) in the Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Hurdle highlighted its unwavering resolve, securing a deserving win under the guidance of Simon Earle and James Best. Even amidst this triumph, James graciously expressed sincere words of gratitude for this dear companion.

Insights from James Best and Meg Nicholls 

ITV Racing recently posted an engaging conversation between James Best and British hunt horse trainer, Meg Nicholls on X. The post, captioned, “This kind of ground brought out the best in him – James Best spoke to @Meg_nicholls11 following Rare Clouds win in our finale at Wincanton”

In a conversation between Megan and James, the discussion centred on the recent performance of the horse. James expressed his satisfaction with the rhythm despite the minor setback, attributing the horse’s success to its uncomplicated nature. He elaborated on the journey, highlighting the horse’s consistent performance while subtly hinting at the need for a gradual warm-up before hitting full stride. Reflecting on the race strategy, James mentioned a tactic they had discussed beforehand, emphasizing how the horse often skipped one obstacle, leading to its ultimate triumph. Despite the doubts from others, James and Simon’s confidence in the horse’s abilities proved fruitful.

Megan inquired about another horse, Nickelback’s, to which James expressed his enthusiasm, considering it a privilege to ride such a remarkable horse. He hinted at a potential upcoming race at Lingfield, expressing hope for the horse’s return. He said, “ I think the possibility is the meeting again at the end of the month at Lingfield”. Overall, James concluded the conversation with gratitude and anticipation for future races, eagerly awaiting the chance to get back into action. Meanwhile, Dibble Decker garnered strong support in the market and triumphed in a closely contested finish to the Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap Chase at Wincanton.

Showstoppers at different strides in horse racing 

In a riveting contest, Dibble Decker secured a notable win at 11-2 odds, guided adeptly by Stan Sheppard while sporting a first-time tongue tie. Sheppard lauded the impact of the tongue tie on the horse’s performance, acknowledging the significant improvement it brought to Dibble Decker’s race.

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Meanwhile, Lord Of Thunder displayed dominance in the Virgin Bet Novices’ Hurdle, effortlessly triumphing under Brendan Powell’s expert handling. Powell commended the horse’s progress since its last win and expressed optimism about its potential to step up to higher-grade competitions, signalling an exciting future for the promising contender.

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