Nicolas is no stranger to the world of horse racing as his father, Miguel, was a leading trainer in France, most notably having won the French Derby with NELCIUS. This meant Nicolas was raised in the business, exercising horses for his father from a young age. His brother, Christophe, is also a successful trainer in America having won many Grade 1 races including the Beverly D Stakes and the Del Mar Oaks. Click >>> for race details.

Nicolas' Racing Experience:

Nicolas' first job away from the family stable was in 1982 as a stud trainee at Haras de Clarbec in Deauville with Olivier Nicol. After a year working there he left France to go to America where he prepared yearlings at Taylor Made farm, Kentucky, and was in charge of barn of 24 yearlings.

Nicolas then went on to become pupil assistant to John Gosden in California and was working there when ROYAL HEROINE won the Breeder's Cup Mile for the yard in 1984.

In 1985 he came back to Europe to work as pupil assistant at Ballydoyle with Dr M.V O'Brien, during the successful period when the stable won the Irish Derby with LAW SOCIETY, the National Stakes with TATE GALLERY and the Irish St Leger with LEADING COUNSEL.

Nicolas returned to France in 1986 and for two years he was the main assistant to Mr Francois Boutin with 220 horses. Francois Boutin was the leading French trainer for 8 years and while working there Nicolas experienced the success of MIESQUE, who was the dual Breeder's Cup Mile winner, as well as the 1000 Guineas winner BAILLAMONT, TERSA, and BLUSHING JOHN.

Nicolas took out his own license in October 1988 and trains from his father's old stable where he has over 50 horses in training and is regularly in the top 15 trainers in France.

He has a very good record at claiming horses and then improving them, examples include DOLMA (2 Listed wins, GR1 placed), MEGAHERTZ (GR1 in America) and LE ROI CHIC (Listed winner). While horses he has bought at public auction or privately include VESPONE, SAUMAREZ and 22 Group or Listed winners.

Nicolas is extremely approachable and trains for many different types of owners. Nicolas is fluent in English and is comfortable with Spanish which is of great benefit as his owners are located all around the globe. He always ensures that they are well informed, with photographs and  regular telephone and email updates, and he also encourages them to visit the yard and watch their horses on the gallops..

Nicolas has trained for some of the leading owners in Europe, USA and the Far East but he is just as happy to train for an owner that wants to have fun in claiming or handicap races or for members of a syndicate with only a small share in a horse

Horses are not the only talent to have benefited from Nicolas's training, there have also  been a number of top apprentices and jockeys that have passed through his yard such as Olivier Peslier, Christophe Lemaire, Davy Bonilla, Cyril Brechon and Jean Bernard Eyquem.

 He has had a very successful career to date with over 600 winners including  6 Group 1's,4 Group 2's and 14 Group 3's and amassing earnings of more than 15 million EUR.

Main Winners:

Nicolas

2006 STORMY RIVER Champion Miler 2006, wins include Prix Jean Prat (GR1), Prix de Fontainebleau (GR3), Prix Messidor (GR3). Also placed 2^nd  in St. James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Now a popular stallion standing at Haras d'Etreham.

2003 VESPONE - Champion 3 year old over middle distance. Wins include Prix Jean Prat (GR1), Grand Prix de Paris (GR1) and Prix la Force (GR3). Also placed in GR1 in Italy.

1990 SAUMAREZ - Horse of the Year 1990. Won Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe (GR1), making Nicolas the youngest trainer to win this race, and Grand Prix de Paris (GR1).

1993 LE BALAFRE, Prix Jean Prat (GR1)

1991 DREAM TALK (GR2 win in Italy and Germany)

1998 KABOOL - Prix Guillaume d'Ornano (GR2), Prix Daphnis (GR3)

1998 POZARICA - Prix Hubert de Chaudenay (GR2), Prix Berteux (GR3)

Also over 40 listed winners and over 60 wins in graded or regular stakes, mainly in France but also in USA (group 3 with Heaven's command, and Mister Sicy). He has also won many top races in Europe including Germany (GR2), Switzerland (Oaks), Austria (Derby), Italy (GR2 and GR3).