‘I have to pinch myself a little bit’ - more change at Ditcheat as Paul Nicholls reveals new assistant

Paul Nicholls has announced that Charlie St Quinton, currently based with Fergal O’Brien, will move to Ditcheat this summer to become his assistant trainer, following in the footsteps of the likes of champion-elect Dan Skelton and Harry Fry.

Nicholls revealed the news when speaking to the Racing Post for a major interview in Sunday’s newspaper in which he discusses a tough season that hit a great high at Cheltenham, his determination to prove wrong the “disbelievers” and his biggest squad for the Grand National in eight years.

Nicholls has been busy tweaking his team, making headlines when he revealed that he would be buying more horses sourced by his daughter Megan rather than relying on stores bought by Tom Malone. The wheels of change are also turning in the yard – current assistant Charlie Davies steps away from racing this summer, when he will be replaced by St Quinton, while former Alan King pupil assistant George Edgedale has already taken up a role as second assistant.

St Quinton left university only two years ago, whereupon he was offered the role of assistant to O’Brien having worked for him during Covid and remained in touch.

“I owe Fergal and Sally [Randell] a lot, they gave me my break in the racing world and I’ve absolutely loved it,” said St Quinton.

Paul Nicholls on the hill gallop as Freddie Gingell and Caldwell Potter exercise at Manor Farm Stables in DitcheatCredit: Edward Whitaker

“I've worked with some amazing people and horses. We had a four-timer on Saturday, which was pretty special, and Crambo's two Grade 1 wins were incredible. It was a brilliant time with Paddy Brennan, who I've learned so much from, and Johnny Burke, who's just a Rolls Royce of a bloke.

“But when Mr Nicholls came asking I felt like it was an opportunity too big to turn down. Everyone keeps reminding me of the people who have had the job before me but I keep reminding them there's always someone to lower the tone!”

St Quinton starts his new role in July and added: “I can't wait. Fingers crossed, it seems like a very exciting time to join such a successful operation and I'm very much looking forward to getting stuck in. I have to pinch myself a little bit – only two years ago I was at university and now I'm going to be assistant to Paul Nicholls. It's all a bit mental.”

Nicholls said: "We're not far off 4,000 winners now and we've got a good set-up, what makes the difference is having the right players in your team. Clifford [Baker] and I have been working together for 28 years and we're having a few changes in personalities next season, so you've got to keep evolving.”

Read more from Paul Nicholls in The Big Read, available in Sunday's newspaper or online for Racing Post+ Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday. Click here to sign up.

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