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SARGA.CO – The past few years have been an immense test for young Welsh jockey Elen Nicholas. A long-term injury kept her away from racing, required multiple surgeries, and even led her to consider early retirement. Yet with unshaken determination, Nicholas made a stunning comeback: last Saturday in New Plymouth, New Zealand, she celebrated a remarkable milestone—the 100th win of her career.
Heading into the Taranaki race meeting that weekend, Nicholas needed just two more wins to reach the 100 mark. She never imagined the day would turn out so special, guiding two underdog horses—Tulsa King and Our Time Keeper—to unexpected victories.
“I knew I was close, but honestly, I didn’t expect to get there that day. Both horses looked like long shots on paper, so it was a wonderful surprise,” Nicholas said.
The achievement carried deep emotion, given her grueling recovery. Her latest injury required seven surgeries on one leg, leaving her unsure she’d ever ride competitively again.
“It feels like a dream. I truly thought about quitting. But my body slowly healed, and I’m proud I made it through,” she shared.
During rehabilitation, Nicholas worked with UK fitness coach James Adams, a specialist in training jockeys and equestrian athletes. “He knew exactly what was needed to get back to 100 percent,” she explained.
While sidelined, Nicholas explored other paths: working at horse auctions in Australia and helping at the renowned Riversley Park training facility in New Zealand.
“At first, I thought maybe it was time to try something else. But the longer I stayed out of the saddle, the more I realized how much I missed racing. I came back not because I had to, but because I wanted to,” she said.
Her decision proved right. This season, Nicholas has already notched 12 wins, placing her third on the National Jockeys’ Premiership, just behind leading riders Michael McNab and Opie Bosson.
One of her happiest moments came at Te Rapa, when she rode Notabadspillane, a horse owned by her partner, trainer Shaun Phelan, and her father, Brad Nicholas, to victory.
“That was really special—the first time I won on a horse owned by my dad. It’s a memory I’ll always cherish,” she said.
From Wales to New Zealand: A Long Journey
Nicholas’s riding career began in rural Wales, competing in point-to-point races. After three wins there, she moved to New Zealand to work with legendary trainer Paul Nelson. Valuable advice came from veteran jockey Noel Harris, who encouraged her to switch from jump racing to flat racing.
“He told me if I wanted more opportunities, I needed to lose weight and become a flat jockey. I took his advice and never regretted it,” she recalled.
Now, with over 100 career victories, Nicholas considers New Zealand her second home.
“This country reminds me of Wales—the weather is friendlier, but the countryside feels the same. I love it here.”
Looking Ahead: Health and High Stakes
Despite her achievements, Nicholas remains humble. Her current goals are simple yet meaningful: stay healthy and win a stakes race.
“The main thing is staying injury-free. But if I can win a stakes race, that would be the icing on the cake,” she said.
Source: The New Zealand Herald
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