HARRY COBDEN is preparing for arguably the best job in racing – but he won’t be No1 at Punchestown Festival.
The top British rider will be JP McManus’ retained jockey from the start of next month.
Harry Cobden is sure to have some rides for new boss JP McManus at Punchestown Festival – but looks set to play second fiddle to outgoing No1 rider Mark Walsh Credit: Getty
He can look forward to some monumental rides in the future, including on the likes of Fact To File, Inothewayurthinkin and Majborough.
Splitting his time between Ireland and Britain, Cobden looks all set to thrive in one of racing’s most pressure-packed jobs.
Just not at Punchestown.
The five-day festival kicks off on Tuesday and officially brings the curtain down on the jumps season.
A whole host of Cheltenham Festival-winning superstars will be in action.
But Mark Walsh, who is leaving the role as JP’s No1, looks fully set to continue riding the billionaire owner’s top horses.
He will aim to go out on the ultimate high with victory aboard Fact To File in the Punchestown Gold Cup.
The Willie Mullins-trained chaser was odds-on for the Ryanair at Cheltenham but pulled minutes before the race owing to the ground.
Watering has begun at Punchestown but McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry confirmed the intention is for Fact To File to run and, hopefully, once again take on Gold Cup king Gaelic Warrior.
He also clarified the jockey pecking order at the meeting.
Speaking to the Racing Post , Berry said: “I’d imagine it will be the same as it has been all season with Mark riding the ones he would usually ride.
“Harry will come in for a few rides for us during the week as well, like he did at Fairyhouse.”
Cobden has long been Paul Nicholls’ No1 man.
But the Ditcheat boss told Sun Racing he has a to ride his best horses going forward.
He also said Cobden will still be available to get on some of his runners going forward.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
