And high-profile defeats for some big-money buys, notably Caldwell Potter and Regent’s Stroll who cost a combined £1.27 million, has seen Tom Malone, the bloodstock agent who sources most of Nicholls’ horses, come in for some scrutiny.
Nicholls denied there had been a split between the two men, but he is set to shake things up in an attempt to beat the likes of Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson to the best horses on the market.
And 26-year-old ex-jock Megan, who combines her punditry work on ITV with selling and buying horses, is expected to play a big role in the sourcing of new talent for her dad going forwards.
Malone, who rode 70 winners under Rules as a jumps jockey before becoming a bloodstock agent 15 years ago, said he has no issues with Nicholls decision.
"We are having a tough year with results but I think that time will prove in the next season or two, when things are rocking and rolling, there are plenty of good horses in the yard.".
