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Paul Nicholls v Johnny Dineen: the champion trainer and outspoken punter face off
David Jennings tries to build bridges between the champion trainer and the pro punter
It's early January and we're filming the Racing Post's flagship YouTube show, Upping The Ante. During the Questions from the Crowd segment, I read out one from Seb Watkins, who asks: "How many winners do you think Paul Nicholls will have at the festival? He seems to have the strongest team he’s had for a while."
Johnny Dineen, the former bookmaker who is now a hugely successful pro punter and my co-host on the show, puffs out his cheeks and sighs.
"A much stronger team? I wouldn't say he has a much stronger team. He has Hermes Allen in the Ballymore and Bravemansgame is probably his next likeliest winner in the Gold Cup and he has no chance. I would have my house that Nicholls will win zero Grade 1 races. I'm telling you, he will win no Grade 1 races.
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Published on inThe Big Read
Last updated
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- 'I still remember the look on Paul Nicholls' face - but it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't held on!'
- 'It was devastating – but as a leader you've got to stand up, pick everyone else up and take them forward with you'
- 'He was still 100-1 at the post, so it was hopefully quite well planned' - renowned punter Patrick Veitch on a life in betting and a new venture
- 'People love having horses with Willy rather than a miserable git like me'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'I still remember the look on Paul Nicholls' face - but it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't held on!'
- 'It was devastating – but as a leader you've got to stand up, pick everyone else up and take them forward with you'
- 'He was still 100-1 at the post, so it was hopefully quite well planned' - renowned punter Patrick Veitch on a life in betting and a new venture
- 'People love having horses with Willy rather than a miserable git like me'