Megan Nicholls combined a career in the saddle with work as a model, bloodstock agent, jockey agent and ITV and Racing TV pundit. How does the 25-year-old, daughter of 13-time champion National Hunt trainer Paul, fit it all in? David Yates finds out.
Were you destined for a career in racing from birth?
I was around horses from the start and being a jockey was all I wanted to do. I had a good rivalry on the pony racing circuit with Sean Bowen, and Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle were riding there as well.
I rode point-to-pointers before I broke my back, and then I got going on the Flat, riding 110 winners. I had some amazing days, but I was never going to get to the level of Hollie, for example, so it was the right time to look for something else.
How did you get into TV?
Racing TV did a version of Through The Keyhole, the ITV programme where you had to guess who lived in a house after Loyd Grossman had rummaged through it.
Jockey Martin Dwyer asked me to go on it — totally ridiculous but a lot of fun. From there, I did some pundit shifts on Racing TV and then I made my first appearance on ITV at Musselburgh in April 2021.
Describe your job?
I’m doing two days each for ITV and Racing TV this week, and I try to impart some knowledge through my experience of race-riding and from being around horses all my life.
During a race, a viewer might think, ‘Why has that jockey done that? What a muppet — that’s cost them the race.’ It’s useful if I can explain why the jockey has made a particular decision. I also love doing the paddock and pointing out the positives — and negatives — about the runners.
What’s the best thing about your job? And the worst?
The best thing is being able to talk about a sport that I genuinely love. My passion is my work, and not many people are lucky enough to say that.
The worst is that the racing life is relentless — there’s always something going on, so it’s difficult to take a holiday with friends or family. I’m also my partner Kevin Stott’s agent.
What’s your most embarrassing on-air moment?
I was doing an afternoon show on ITV for the Old Roan Chase at Aintree. As I was watching the race, I swore and, of course, it was recorded.
To my embarrassment — but to the hilarity of my co-presenters — my gaffe got played out after the race.
It was a lesson I’ve learned. You might not be contributing live, but you are on camera and on microphone the whole time, so you’ve got to be careful!
Who is the funniest person you work with?
Rishi Persad is absolutely hilarious, with constant silly jokes and one-liners, and Jason Weaver is so funny he has me crying with laughter.
Sometimes the producer is in our ears, telling us to sort ourselves out because we are coming back in vision, while the pair of us are still on the floor laughing.
What are your best — and worst — character traits?
My best is my lack of patience and my worst is that I’m straight up — sometimes that gets me into trouble, but I’d sooner be like that than the other way round.
What are you good at — and what do you enjoy — away from racing?
I really enjoy shopping. I’m not sure my bank manager would agree, but I think I’m very good at it!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Digestive biscuits!
Who are your four dinner party guests?
Rihanna, the multi-Grammy Award winner, Andy Murray, a truly inspirational sportsman, Sir Henry Cecil, who I wish I had met, and one of the Kardashians, just to try to know the truth about them!
What are your four best bets for Cheltenham?
El Fabiolo (Arkle Trophy, Tuesday), Constitution Hill to win by eight lengths or more (Champion Hurdle, Tuesday), Hermes Allen (Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, Wednesday) and Midnight River (Magners Plate Handicap Chase, Thursday).
