In a move that reshapes the landscape of National Hunt racing, champion jockey Harry Cobden has secured a landmark deal to become the retained rider for powerhouse owner JP McManus. The agreement, described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity', will see the 2024 British champion don the famous green-and-gold silks when the new season commences in May.
A New Era for McManus's Racing Empire
The appointment marks a significant shift in strategy for McManus, the most influential owner in jump racing. While Mark Walsh has been the principal rider in Ireland since Barry Geraghty's 2020 retirement, there has been no fixed retained jockey in Britain, with rides shared among talents like Nico de Boinville and Jonjo O'Neill Jnr. Cobden's new role will see him partner McManus's horses on both sides of the Irish Sea, echoing the arrangements of previous racing legends Sir Anthony McCoy and Barry Geraghty.
McCoy, a staunch admirer of Cobden, was McManus's first retained rider from 2004 to 2015, a period of spectacular success that included Grand National and Gold Cup glory. McManus himself confirmed the news succinctly, stating: 'I'm delighted to secure Harry Cobden’s services for next season.'
Cobden's Gratitude and Future Focus
The 26-year-old jockey, who was ironically riding against and beating McManus-owned horses at Hereford on the day the news broke, expressed his profound gratitude. 'It’s a privilege to be named retained rider for JP McManus,' Cobden said. 'I’m very grateful for the opportunity and excited for the season ahead in the UK and Ireland.'
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, he paid a heartfelt tribute to his long-time mentor, trainer Paul Nicholls, with whom he had a gentlemen's agreement. 'I wouldn't be where I am today without him,' Cobden acknowledged, emphasising that the decade of support from Nicholls and his owners made this career-defining move possible. The 14-time champion trainer understood he could not stand in the way of such a prestigious offer, leaving his Ditcheat stable without a stable jockey.
Implications for Cheltenham and Beyond
This partnership is viewed as a shrewd acquisition by McManus, given Cobden's elite reputation among trainers in Britain and Ireland. His credentials are impeccable, having secured his sixth Cheltenham Festival winner last year and demonstrating masterful horsemanship to win the Scottish Grand National for Willie Mullins in April.
The link-up provides McManus, who has over 350 horses in training, with a top-class pilot for his formidable squad heading to major festivals. Key hopes include Fact To File, aiming for back-to-back Ryanair Chase wins, and the talented but inconsistent Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin. Cobden, however, remains focused on finishing the current season strongly for Paul Nicholls before embarking on his new chapter in the iconic green and gold.
