TORONTO, March 25, 2024 – In this week’s edition of MMQP, multiple graded stakes-placed jockey Keveh Nicholls shares his thoughts on his 2023 campaign and looks forward to the 2024 Woodbine season. Starting Gate Eclipsed the $1 million mark in purse earnings for the third consecutive campaign Won the inaugural edition of the Pink Lloyd Stakes with Rockcrest Had six top-three finishes in 18 stakes appearances in 2023 Is one win away from 300 for his career First lifetime win came on May 7, 2004, at Assiniboia Downs, when he partnered with Aztek Sky for an 11-1 upset Rockcrest and jockey Keveh Nicholls winning the Pink Lloyd Stakes on June 4, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo) Opening Quarter “My goal was to win a stakes race, so it was kind of funny that my first win of the year happened to be the Pink Lloyd Stakes. I wanted to win another one, but I was very happy to have won that race and to win it with such a nice horse like Rockcrest.” “It was very thrilling to win that race. He is a horse I have ridden in the past and Nigel [trainer, Burke] is a very good friend of mine. So, it was nice to get that win for Nigel and his barn.” “My agent [Ken Zweig] did a very good job. It was nice to have as many opportunities as I did, and I am very grateful to the trainers who gave me the chance to ride their horses. I felt very good going into the year and I wanted to be as consistent as I could throughout the season.” Keveh Nicholls at Woodbine in 2022 (Michael Burns photo) Half Mile “I always try to do better than the year before. That is always my main objective. Being a jockey, there are always ups and downs, but you just have to keep believing in yourself and not get too down on yourself.” “Overall, I was happy with how the year started and I think it went well from there. I felt confident every time I rode.” “As the year goes on, you work to keep getting better and keep moving forward. There were no injuries that I had to deal with, which I was thankful for. I can say it was a good year.” Keveh Nicholls, fiancé Emily Fisher, and their daughter Stretch Drive “This winter, we decided to come to Florida. I was in Tampa last year and this year, we came to Ocala. I’m here with my fiancée Emily [Fisher] and my daughter. It’s nice to have them here with me. I’m getting on horses for [Woodbine-based trainer] Ted Holder and riding a few here and there at Tampa. It keeps the mind and body fit.” “I guess you can see it as somewhat of a working vacation. I get to enjoy time with Emily and my daughter, but I also get to ride and be ready to go when the season starts at Woodbine.” Keveh Nicholls and his daughter in Disney Finish Line “I am very excited for 2024 at Woodbine. I want to build off last year and as always, I would like to do better than the year before.” “I’m looking forward to getting back to Toronto. It’s a nice feeling knowing the season is getting closer. You get that excitement going and you always look forward to that first race. Whatever opportunity comes my way, I want to make the most of it.” Winner’s Circle Links to stories with Keveh Nicholls: Jockeys Canada – Keveh Nicholls Bio Weekend Notables and Quotables June 3-4 Rockcrest All Heart in Pink Lloyd Stakes Stand and Deliver: This is Rockcrest Caribbean Times – Nicholls lands maiden Woodbine stakes success for Burke Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications / @WoodbineComms Share This:Share
