In a major shake-up for National Hunt racing, billionaire owner JP McManus has secured the services of former champion jockey Harry Cobden as his new retained rider. The 27-year-old will become the principal jockey for all of McManus's jumps horses in both Britain and Ireland, starting from May 2026.
A Prestigious Role in Racing History
The position, confirmed in a statement to the Racing Post, is one of the most coveted in the sport. Cobden will step into a role historically filled by legends such as Sir AP McCoy and Barry Geraghty. This marks a significant shift, as McManus has not employed a first jockey in Britain since Geraghty's retirement.
Cobden, who has been first jockey to champion trainer Paul Nicholls, will now don the famous green and gold silks of the McManus stable. The move ends speculation that has circulated in racing circles for several days.
Transition and Tributes
The appointment signals a change in the owner's retained jockey setup. Mark Walsh, who has been McManus's exclusive retained rider in Ireland since 2020, will step away from that role in May. Cobden's new remit covers both the UK and Irish circuits, where the majority of McManus's powerful string is based.
In comments released with the announcement, McManus expressed his delight, stating he was pleased to "secure Harry Cobden’s services for next season." Cobden responded by calling it a "privilege" and expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting the quality of horses he will now have the chance to ride.
Cobden's Focus and Future
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, Cobden acknowledged the scale of the opportunity while paying a heartfelt tribute to his current employer. "I’ve really had one job in racing and that’s with Paul Nicholls," he said. "I wouldn’t be where I am today without him."
He emphasised that his "primary focus" until the end of the current season remains riding winners for Nicholls. The champion jockey, who won the conditional title in 2016-17 and the full jump jockey championship in the 2023-24 season, is yet to decide if he will base himself in Ireland but stated he would "take it as it comes."
The move aligns Cobden with the most successful owner in Cheltenham Festival history. McManus, a 14-time champion jumps owner in Britain and 22-time champion in Ireland, has won the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice and the Grand National on three occasions. Cobden will now be tasked with steering stars like Jonbon and other top prospects for the powerful owner, shaping the future of jump racing's biggest races.
