Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls have only held a joint license from 1st January 2025, but they have plenty of experience between them and have already fired in plenty of winners. Based at the picturesque Thorndale Farm in the Cotswolds, the duo have excellent training facilities at their disposal, with some of the best views you will see at any yard.

Kim Bailey has trained over 1,500 winners in an extraordinary career to date, including winning virtually every big race there is to be won in the National Hunt calendar. That includes a Grand National winner with Mr Frisk, who recorded the fastest ever time in the history of the Grand National. On top of Grand National glory, Kim has completed the National Hunt’s ‘Big Three’, winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Master Oats, whilst also winning the Champion Hurdle with Alderbrook. 

Kim has enjoyed plenty of further success over the years, with Mat Nicholls as his assistant trainer. Other notable winners, including Harry Topper, First Flow, and Does He Know, have provided the yard with plenty of trophies. More recently, Chianti Classico provided the yard with its most recent Cheltenham Festival winner, winning the 2024 Ultima Handicap. 

Mat Nicholls has a wealth of experience in the horse racing industry, having worked with Nigel Twiston-Davies, Tom George and Carl Llewelyn, before moving to Kim Bailey’s. After being Kim’s assistant trainer for 16 years, Mat was added to the trainer license in January 2025. The duo had the perfect start, winning with their first runner, Moon Rocket. 

We’re thrilled to have Kim and Mat training for Racing Club and look forward to enjoying plenty of great days out with the duo.