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In many experts eyes, Harry Cobden, a Grand National Jockey, is the future of British jump racing. Basically, a young farmer, Cobden is now the first jockey for the famous trainer Paul Nicholls, which means he is riding many of the best horses in the biggest races. Currently, Cobden has only ridden in a handful of Grand Nationals; we’ll review his performances and analyse his future chances of success in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Harry Cobden: Career
Despite Cobden’s tender age, he already has an impressive resume of race victories. He began pony racing before his tenth birthday and even then it was evident that he was a natural talent in the saddle. He first appeared over the jumps at the end of the 2014/15 season and managed to secure a second-place finish within his first three rides.
Cobden’s first Cheltenham Festival victory came just a few months after joining Manor Farm Stables. Since then, he has won numerous graded races for both Nicholls and Colin Tizzard – another top trainer who he rides for frequently for Grand National punters are excited to see what stable this jockey will be in for this years Grand National. One of Harry Cobden’s most notable rides so far in his young career has been aboard the mighty Clan Des Obeaux, a horse that is part-owned by the legendary former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. He won the King George VI Chase on this mount and also steered it to multiple other victories. A couple more of Harry’s top wins are:
- RSA Chase with Topofthegame,
- Ascot Chase with Syrname,
- Tingle Creek with Politologue, among many others.
Trivia
Harry Cobden grew up on a farm, and he developed a love for horses and ponies early in life. When he turned 16, he left school without any GCSEs. In fact, on the day of his English exam, he ducked school in favour of taking a ride a Leicester. The horse won at 33/1.
It hasn’t all been a bed of roses, however. Cobden suffered a broken neck when falling during a race at Market Rasen. Some doctors stated he would never race again after that. Yet, he proved them wrong and was back in the saddle within five months.
Grand National Jockey: Notable Wins
Harry Cobden’s Grand National appearances are limited to Warriors Tale (2019), The Dutchman (2018) and Just A Par (2017). His best finish was 14th on Just A Par, with him failing to complete the course since his debut year.
Does Cobden have a chance in the future of becoming a Grand National-winning jockey? Without a shadow of a doubt. He is working with the best trainers, he is hungry for success, and he has a fearless attitude – something you need to be a top Grand National Jockey.
Away from the National, these are some of Cobden’s biggest wins along with the horses that participated in the race:
| Year | Race | Horse |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle | Old Guard |
| 2016 | StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle | Irving |
| 2017 | Betfair Tingle Creek Chase | Politologue |
| 2018 | Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle | Kilbricken Storm |
| 2018 | randoxhealth.com Henry VIII Novices’ Chase | Dynamite Dollars |
| 2018 | 32Red King George VI Chase | Clan Des Obeaux |
| 2019 | Betfair Ascot Chase | Cyrname |
| 2019 | Gerard Bertrand Hurst Park Handicap Chase | Capeland |
If you look further into all of Harry Cobden’s wins, you will notice that some horses stand out. The first one is Dynamite Dollars, which brought him three wins in Grade 1 and 2 races. The second one that caught our attention is the Old Guard, with whom he also had three wins. The last horse we will mention here is the Clan Des Obeaux, with whom he obtained three victories in Grade 1 and Grade 2 races.
