After spending three weeks in hospital following a fall on the gallops, this week brought the welcome news that 68-year-old trainer Nicky Richards has been allowed back home to continue his recovery.
The six-time Grade 1-winning handler, best known for the exploits of star chaser Monet’s Garden, is not yet fit enough to resume full duties, and it may be a little while before we see him back at the racetrack. However, the son of the legendary Gordon Richards is already looking forward to getting on horseback once more and has his eye on landing a big prize this coming Saturday.
Multiple Fractures and the Loss of an Old Friend
The fateful incident which landed Richards in hospital occurred in the final week of November 2024. Whilst galloping at speed aboard one of his favourite horses, Houston Texas, his mount tragically suffered a heart attack, catapulting Richards to the ground.
Sadly, Houston Texas died at the scene. Richards, meanwhile, was left with breaks to his shoulder, pelvis, and several ribs. Mountain Rescue was called to his Greystoke Stable base to aid the stricken handler. Having been transported to the Cumberland Infirmary, initial reports suggested Richards would remain in hospital for a few days. However, whilst not requiring surgery, his stay stretched out for a little longer, only ending on Tuesday, 17th December.
Reflecting on the incident, Richards stated:
“It wasn’t pretty, and sadly, we lost my old friend. He was a lovely horse.”
He gave an update on his current status:
“I came out of hospital on Tuesday. When you’re as sore as I was, you know you’re in the right place. You can’t do anything about it. I’ve been given exercises, and the physio’s coming from Penrith Hospital to make sure I’m keeping moving. But in our game, we’re fairly used to keeping moving, and I got myself round the yard yesterday on the Zimmer frame.”
As to his plans on getting off the Zimmer and back on a horse, Richards said:
“Why not? I’ve been riding all my 68 years, and I’d say I’ve been riding racehorses since I was about seven. It will be lovely to get back on, it’s part of our life.”
With daughter Jo and son-in-law Harry presiding over operations, the Richards yard has continued to fire in its share of winners, operating at an impressive 24% strike rate so far in December and amassing just short of £80,000 in prize money.
Famous Bridge Just The Tonic?
That prize money tally may receive a healthy boost on Saturday afternoon when Famous Bridge lines up in the £50,000 Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase at Haydock.
Going in the famous yellow and green quartered silks of Hemmings Racing, the eight-year-old has won two of his three starts at the Merseyside venue, including the 2023 edition of this contest. Only two pounds higher in the handicap this year and having blown away the cobwebs with a comeback second at Kelso, he’s a general 5/2 favourite as he bids to defend his crown.
Whilst Richards won’t be at Haydock to see his star in action, he sounded optimistic about the horse’s chance, when saying:
“He’s won two good chases at Haydock, and I hope he’ll give it a good shot this weekend. He’ll have a good season, and I hope he can land a really big one.”