Nico de Boinville’s Festival Fancies: Inside the Jockey’s Cheltenham Mind
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival, spanning March 11-14 across 28 races, is Nico de Boinville’s playground—a four-day crucible where the jockey’s mind is locked on glory. In an earlier interview during the Racing Post’s Unibet-sponsored preview, Nico peeled back the curtain on Nicky Henderson’s top runners—Constitution Hill, Jonbon, Lou Lamber, and Lucky Place—offering a rider’s raw, unfiltered take on their festival fates. From the Unibet Champion Hurdle to Gold Cup Day, here’s how Nico envisions Henderson’s stable lighting up Prestbury Park, his mental map a blend of grit, gears, and golden ambition.
Constitution Hill’s Comeback: Nico’s Cornerstone
Nico’s festival hinges on Constitution Hill, the Unibet Champion Hurdle favorite at 7/4, set to storm the Old Course at 16:00 on Tuesday, March 11. “He’s back to his old self—Christmas Hurdle was electric,” he said, his voice crackling with pride as he recalled the Kempton win over Lossiemouth—a six-length demolition that silenced a year of injury doubts. “The way he went up the straight—swagger’s there,” Nico grinned, memories of the 2023 romp—nine lengths clear of State Man—still vivid.
Facing Gordon Elliott’s Brighter Days Ahead (7/4), Nico’s unfazed: “He’s jumped big fields before—Tuesday’s his day, no question.” Henderson’s “no reason he’s not the same horse” echoes Nico’s unshakable faith—eight hurdles over 2 miles 87 yards could crown him king again. “He’s my cornerstone—sets the week,” Nico said, picturing that late surge up Cheltenham’s hill, a roar he’s chased since Altior’s days. Constitution Hill’s not just a horse—he’s Nico’s festival heartbeat.
Jonbon’s Redemption Ride: Proving the Doubters Wrong
Jonbon, pegged at 11/10 (boosted from 4/5 by Unibet) for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 16:00 on Wednesday, March 12, is Nico’s redemption mission—a chance to rewrite a sour narrative. “He’s ready—Kempton was a statement,” he insisted, brushing off last year’s fifth-place flop behind El Fabiolo—a 12-length drubbing that stung. “Doubters say he’s allergic to Cheltenham—I say rubbish,” Nico fired back, his tone sharp as he pointed to a Grade 1 Shloer Chase win here in 2022, beating Nube Negra by three lengths.
Against Marine Nationale (7/1), Barry Connell’s unbeaten ace, Nico’s calm: “He’s got gears—Wednesday’s his day to silence them.” Over 13 fences and 2 miles, redemption’s the word—one chance to turn doubters into believers. “He’s a fighter—I’ll prove it,” Nico vowed, his mind set on a Cheltenham crown.
The Jockey’s Favorites: Lou Lamber and Lucky Place
Nico’s Friday fancy is Lou Lamber, a 5/2 shot for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at 13:20 on March 14—a juvenile star he’s buzzing about. “He’s uncomplicated—flies those hurdles,” he beamed, touting three unbeaten runs, including a Punchestown rout last month where he surged clear by six lengths over 2 miles. “Loves the hill—he’s got Champion Hurdle in him,” Nico predicted, his eyes on a future beyond Friday, even with East India Dock (2/1) looming as Elliott’s proven threat.
Lucky Place (Stayers’ Hurdle, 7/1; 16:00, March 13) rounds out his quartet—a Thursday sleeper. “He’s straightforward—handles anything,” Nico said, praising his Haydock bounce-back last month, a close second over 3 miles that showed grit after a rocky novice spell. “He’s a stayer—could surprise,” he mused, eyeing Teahupoo (evens). Check Cheltenham races today at Unibet for the full slate of Nico’s rides—these two could steal the show on Thursday and Friday, his favorites poised to shine.
Henderson’s Trusty Partner: Nico’s Pivotal Role
Nico’s more than Henderson’s jockey—he’s his right hand, a partnership forged through Sprinter Sacre’s 2013 Champion Chase, Altior’s 2018 Queen Mother, and now this 2025 squad. “Nicky’s prepped them perfect—my job’s to finish it,” he said, his voice steady with the weight of trust. Constitution Hill’s “top nick,” Jonbon’s “no chinks,” Lou Lamber’s “gears,” and Lucky Place’s “stamina” reflect a jockey in sync with his mounts—nine years, countless wins, one goal.
“I know them inside out—Cheltenham’s where we shine,” Nico added, his festival tally—15 wins, including two Gold Cups—proof of his big-day mettle. Tom Segal’s nod—“Nico’s the best on these days”—and Paul Kealy’s “he delivers when it counts” back the vibe. “He’s Nicky’s eyes on the track,” Jennings said, picturing four days, four shots—Nico’s mind a festival map drawn in reins and resolve.
Ground Games: Nico’s Tactical Take
Weather’s a factor—soft early, drying later—and Nico’s ready to ride it out. “Constitution Hill’s fine either way—soft’s no worry,” he said, shrugging off ground debates with a nod to his 2023 mud romp. Jonbon “prefers good—Kempton was quick,” he noted, recalling that Christmas Chase on firm turf—a sub-40-second final furlong. “Wednesday’s drying suits him,” Nico predicted, eyes on forecasts shifting from good-to-soft to good by midweek.
Lou Lamber “adapts—dry suits him best,” his Punchestown win on good ground a clue—Nico grinned, “He’ll fly if it firms.” Lucky Place? “Soft or good—he stays either way,” his Haydock run on tacky turf proof of versatility. “We ride what we get—horses sort it,” Nico said, unruffled by clerk Jon Pullin’s softish base as of March 6. Unibet’s non-runner no bet offer keeps his options fluid—ground’s a game he’s mastered.
Cheltenham Calling: Nico’s Verdict on Glory
So, who’s Nico’s festival king? “Constitution Hill—he’ll silence them all,” he predicted, picturing Tuesday’s roar as the hill erupts—eight hurdles, one crown. Jonbon “eats doubters’ words Wednesday—watch him,” Nico fired, 13 fences his redemption stage. Lou Lamber “flies Friday—he’s the future,” a 2-mile juvenile dash to cap the week. Lucky Place “could surprise Thursday—grit’s his game,” a 3-mile sleeper ready to pounce.
