In a major shake-up for National Hunt racing, billionaire owner JP McManus has confirmed the appointment of champion jockey Harry Cobden as his new retained rider. The 27-year-old will take on the coveted role from the start of May, becoming the principal jockey for all of McManus's jumps horses in both Britain and Ireland.
A Prestigious Role in Racing History
The position, confirmed in a statement to the Racing Post, is one of the most sought-after in the sport. Cobden will step into a role historically held by legends such as Sir AP McCoy and Barry Geraghty. The announcement ends speculation that has circulated in racing circles for several days and marks a significant shift in the riding arrangements for the sport's most powerful owner.
From May, Cobden will don the famous green and gold silks of the McManus string. This move coincides with Mark Walsh stepping back from his position as McManus's exclusively retained jockey in Ireland, a role he has held since 2020. Britain has been without a designated first jockey for the owner since Geraghty's retirement.
Cobden's Rise and Tribute to Nicholls
Harry Cobden, the British champion jump jockey for the 2023-24 season, has been the first-choice rider for 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls in recent years. He initially joined Nicholls as a teenager, winning the conditional jockeys' championship in the 2016-17 season.
Speaking about the landmark appointment, Cobden expressed his gratitude and excitement. "It's a privilege to be named retained rider for JP McManus," he said. "I'm very grateful for the opportunity and excited for the season ahead in the UK and Ireland." In an interview with Sky Sports Racing, he added, "It's a massive opportunity... they've got lots of very good horses and I'm looking forward to it."
He was keen to pay a heartfelt tribute to his current employer, Paul Nicholls. "I've really had one job in racing and that's with Paul Nicholls, so I wouldn't be where I am today without him," Cobden stated. "The support I've had off him and his owners over the last 10 years has been unbelievable." He emphasised that his "primary focus" remains on riding winners for Nicholls until the end of the current season.
What This Means for the National Hunt Scene
JP McManus is a colossal figure in jump racing, having been crowned champion owner 14 times in Britain and 22 times in Ireland. He holds the record for the most successful owner in Cheltenham Festival history, with two Cheltenham Gold Cups and three Grand National victories to his name.
Cobden's new role will see him pilot a host of top-class horses, including stars like Jonbon. The shift indicates a consolidated approach from McManus, who will now have a single, high-profile jockey representing his interests across both major racing jurisdictions. Cobden acknowledged the strength of the Irish division, noting, "Ireland is obviously where the majority of the green and gold horses are. There's lots of quality there, it's great."
McManus himself commented, "I'm delighted to secure Harry Cobden's services for next season." The move sets the stage for an intriguing new chapter in National Hunt racing, with one of its brightest talents teaming up with its most prolific owner.
