Horse racing news: Harry Cobden announced as retained rider for leading owner JP McManus
Former champion jockey Harry Cobden has been announced as the new retained rider for JP McManus from May onwards.
Cobden will hold the position of number one jockey to McManus in both Britain and Ireland, writes Sports News Blitz racing expert Kieran McHugh.
Changing of the guard
Mark Walsh had held the position in Ireland since the retirement of Barry Geraghty in 2020, while there was no defined number one for McManus’ British horses.
This is now set to change with the 27-year-old Cobden ending his stint at 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls’ yard to become McManus’ outright top jockey.
Cobden joins an esteemed list of jockeys to hold the role, including 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy.
In a statement to the Racing Post, McManus confirmed the decision, adding: “I’m delighted to secure Harry Cobden’s services for next season.”
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, Cobden said: “There’s lots of quality there, so it’s great.
“I’ve really only probably had one job in racing and that’s with Paul Nicholls. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him, and the support I’ve had from him and his owners over the last 10 years has been unbelievable.
“Without them, an opportunity like this wouldn’t have come along because nobody would know who I am. I’d just like to say a massive thank you to Paul and all of his team because I’ve had the most fantastic 10 years there. Fingers crossed I can still ride plenty of winners for them.
“It’s obviously a big opportunity and one that I’m very much looking forward to, but my primary focus between now and the end of the season is to not leave anything behind, do as well as I can on all of Paul’s horses and ride as many winners as I possibly can.”
Nicholls and Cobden enjoyed a hugely successful spell, winning over 20 Grade One races and notably landing the King George VI Chase on three occasions alongside five Cheltenham Festival triumphs.
Cobden was also crowned Champion Jockey in the 2023/24 season.
He has already ridden 13 winners from 67 rides for McManus and will take the ride on his stars, including Inothewayurthinkin, I Am Maximus and Fact To File.
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