Nico’s love for riding was apparent from an early age. His mother, Shaunagh, fondly recalls his obsession with horses, describing how he was “rising at the trot” before the age of two.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 14, 1989, Nico de Boinville grew up in a privileged household as the son of an insurance broker. He attended Bradfield College, an independent boarding school in Berkshire, from 2002 to 2007, where he excelled academically and won an Open Scholarship. Later, he enrolled in Newcastle University to study Politics, but his true passion lay elsewhere. After just a year, he made the life-changing decision to leave university and pursue a career in horse racing.
With equestrianism running in the family—his aunt Philipa competed at Badminton and his mother was on the British dressage squad—Nico naturally gravitated toward the sport. By nine, he had already won the “Search for a Star” class at the Horse of the Year Show, showcasing his precocious talent.
During his gap year, Nico worked with trainer Richard Gibson in Chantilly, France. Immersed in the demanding routines of a professional stable, he gained invaluable experience, even riding in races at Fontainebleau. This period cemented his ambition to become a jockey and prepared him for the challenges ahead.
Career Beginnings
Nico began his professional career as a stable lad at Nicky Henderson's renowned Seven Barrows stables. Initially, the road was anything but smooth. With only a few rides in his early years, frustration mounted, but Nico persevered. Henderson offered sage advice, reminding him that "the cream always rises to the top."
His breakthrough moment came in 2008 when he secured his first career win aboard Western Roots at Newbury. However, success was slow to follow. By 2009, Nico approached Henderson once again, determined to prove himself. Although opportunities remained limited, he honed his craft, riding notable horses like Barber's Shop and gaining valuable experience in international competitions such as the Fegentri championship.
Rise to Prominence
Nico’s career took a significant turn in 2011 when he began receiving guidance from agent Dave Roberts. This partnership opened new doors, leading to more rides and opportunities. The culmination of his persistence came in 2015 when Nico won the Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Coneygree, becoming the first jockey in over 40 years to win the prestigious race on a novice horse.
This victory marked the beginning of an illustrious career. Over the years, Nico has formed successful partnerships with some of the greatest horses in National Hunt racing, including Altior, Shishkin, Sprinter Sacre, and Might Bite. His achievements include 15 victories at the Cheltenham Festival, where he was crowned top jockey in 2019 with three wins. He also claimed the Grand National Hurdle Stakes at Far Hills, USA, aboard Brain Power that same year.
In 2022, Nico secured his first Grade 1 win in Ireland by riding Marie's Rock to victory in the Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown. These milestones solidified his reputation as one of the most accomplished jockeys of his generation.
Legacy and Approach to Riding
Known for his composed and intuitive riding style, Nico has earned the respect of his peers and trainers alike. Barry Geraghty, a fellow jockey, praises Nico for always "riding for the horse" rather than seeking personal attention. His ability to nurture and develop young horses, such as Sprinter Sacre, has been instrumental in their success.
Beyond his achievements on the track, Nico’s story is one of resilience and determination. Despite early struggles and the inherent challenges of professional racing, he has risen to the top, becoming one of Britain’s most sought-after jockeys. His career continues to inspire aspiring riders, proving that with dedication and hard work, even the most daunting odds can be overcome.