Off the bench and into the winner’s circle

“It would be probably 12 months since I’ve sat in a sulky-but it’s a bit like riding a bike; once you learn you never forget!” Nicholson said.

“I wasn’t too fussed. But dad was thrilled when I agreed to take the drive and I did tell him I go okay fresh,” he laughed.

Nicholson handled four-year-old gelding Sebs Choice (Bettors Delight-Alta Calypso (Village Jasper) with a touch of class to take out the $20,000 Garrards Pace at Melton on Saturday night.

He landed one-out and two-back after coming off the back row and always appeared to be travelling nicely. With 400metres to go, they made their run and Sebs Choice showed his outstanding ability by making up several lengths to snatch a narrow win with the last quarter run in a brisk 26.6.

“The horse is all class. He’s as tough as he is quick. Michelle (Phillips) was driving him in his last prep, and she just loves him. I only got the drive because she’s out with a suspension,” Nicholson said.

Sebs Choice was sent for a spell after winning at Bendigo on November 23. Prior to that, the gelding had won five of his nine race starts. He’s now won nine in total from a career of just 21 outings.

The pacer is raced by the Higgs family, who have had a successful association over the years with Rhys’s father and well-known trainer John (“Bulldog”).

“The Higgs are like family. One of the kids Sebastian picked the horse out at the sales. He was probably about 10 years old at the time, so he had a good eye for it. That’s obviously where the name of the horse comes from,” Nicholson said.

“I think Sebs Choice is being aimed at the gold heats, then a Queensland campaign is an option along with another of the stable in Alby Two Chains.”

While Nicholson was obviously thrilled to get the Melton win, he’s not feeling the “fire in the belly” for the sport of the past.

“I left school when I was 13 to do the horses. It was nice to get the win on Saturday for sure, but I’ve lost the passion for it a bit,” he said.

Nicholson now has the perfect 100 percent record for 2022 for one win from one drive. Last season he landed two winners from 22 runners, while the 19/20 season saw him with 20 wins and 31 placings.

“I’ve enjoyed doing other stuff, like nightclub security and also worked on the Snowy River Hydro Scheme for a bit. When Michelle comes back from her enforced holiday, I doubt that I’ll get to sit in the sulky seat too often anyway,” he said.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink