Lady Buttons jockey Adam Nicol swaps riding for training after run of injuries

Former jockey Adam Nicol, whose career was illuminated by his partnership with popular mare Lady Buttons, will saddle his first runner as a trainer on Wednesday.

Nicol quit the saddle in the summer following a bad run of injuries and is set to begin a new chapter with Velkera running in the 2m4f handicap hurdle (12.25) at Hexham.

Starting out with a team of three horses from his yard on the Northumberland coast, Nicol is happy to take the plunge despite the dire economic climate.

"Racing is the only thing I know and I'm based at the Slate Hall Riding Centre in Seahouses, which is owned by my mother Marian, and we have seven boxes with the potential to expand," said the 31-year-old.

"I'm very fortunate to have the facilities here and in the surrounding area as I'm not sure I'd have fancied starting from scratch given the current situation.

Lady Buttons: with whom Adam Nicol had a fruitful associationCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"We can train the horses on the beach and we'll start steady and see how we get on, but it would be nice to get a few like Lady Buttons in the yard."

Nicol, who has taken out a dual-purpose licence to maximise the year-round opportunities provided by Newcastle's all-weather track, is realistic about the chances of making a flying start with Velkera.

"I've not had her that long and she'll be having her third run of the season," he said. "She'll appreciate the step up in trip, but I wouldn't be surprised if she comes on again because she's quite a stuffy mare."

Despite returning from a back injury to ride in the spring, Nicol decided the time was right to stop riding. He partnered the now-retired Lady Buttons in 12 and her 15 victories – including four at Listed level – during his 15-year riding career.

"I'm grateful for all the support I got during a very enjoyable riding career and I'm looking forward to starting training with my first runner," he said.

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