Racing
Harry Cobden confirmed as the new retained number one rider for JP McManus in Britain and Ireland next season
‘It’s a privilege to be asked’ – Harry Cobden confirmed as the new retained number one rider for JP McManus in Britain and Ireland next season
New beginnings
The 2023/24 champion jockey, who has been associated with Paul Nicholls for over a decade, will begin his new position in May.
Following the retirement of Barry Geraghty in 2020, Mark Walsh, who had ridden many big race victories for the owner, including 11 Cheltenham Festival winners, featuring Inothewayurthinkin in the Gold Cup last season, had been the retained rider since and will continue to be until the end of the campaign.
However, it was announced on Monday that ditcheat’s leading rider will embark on a new chapter next season by replacing him.
During an interview with Mick Fitzgerald via SkySports Racing, Harry expressed that it is a massive opportunity and one that he’s very much looking forward to.
The six-time Cheltenham Festival winner’s focus primary focus as of now though, is to ride as many winners as possible for Paul. He explained that he wouldn’t be where he is without him and displayed full praise and gratitude towards the 14-time champion trainer.
The move, however, will allow access to some of the best jumps horses in training and there’s a good chance that the move has come just at the right time.
Potential rides during the transition
Among McManus runners that he could ride include Inothewayurthinkin, who will bid to claim back-to-back Gold Cups in March, as well as Ryanair Chase winner Fact To File and Nicky Henderson’s leading runners, with the most notable name being Jonbon.
Others to note include Majborough, Dinoblue, I Am Maximus and The New Lion, though nothing has been confirmed as of yet. Everywhere you turn, there’s serious depth and there’s no doubt the top-class pilot will settle in well to his new role.
The quality of JP McManus’s unit is only getting bigger and better and the sky is the limit as to what one of Britain’s best jockeys of the modern era can achieve in the green and gold silks. It will be fascinating to see how he adapts to the transition when having the choice of which horses to ride between brings. and Ireland.
Of course, it is going to be a challenge being back and forth across the sea but I’m confident he will deliver the results. Exciting times are ahead as he will be the first retained rider for them representing Britain and Ireland since Barry Geraghty, and before that, Sir AP McCoy.
Who will fill the shoes at Nicholls’ base?
The signing of Cobden now means Nicholls is without a main rider from May. Who do you think will be given the chance? In my opinion, I think Freddie Gingell has earned the badge and is worth a shot. There’s a host of other talented names in the hat though, so it will be interesting to see what decision will be made. Only time will tell.
Harry Cobden notable statistics and highlights
28x Grade 1 winner
6x Cheltenham Festival winner
1x British Champion Jockey
1x British Conditional Champion Jockey
Achieved a personal best tally of 164 winners when crowned champion jockey for the first time in April 2024
Claimed his 1000th winner at Market Rasen in October 2025
Five-time Challow Hurdle winner – Bravemansgame (2020), Stage Star (2021), Hermes Allen (2022), Captain Teague (2023), No Drama This End (2025)
Two-time King George winner – Clan Des Obeaux (2018) & Bravemansgame (2022)
Two-time Aintree Bowl winner – Clan Des Obeaux (2021 and 2022)
Three-time Ascot Chase winner – Cyrname (2019), Pic D’Orhy (2024 and (2025)
Tingle Creek winner – Politologue (2017)
Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner – Irving (2016)
Scottish Grand National winner – Captain Cody (2025)
