Harry Cobden has been officially announced as the next retained rider in Britain and Ireland for JP McManus. For days the rumours have circulated that the 27-year-old was set to be given one of the biggest jobs in National Hunt racing, but it was made public and official on Tuesday when a statement was released explaining Cobden will take up his new role at the end of May.
Cobden, currently holds the position as No.1 jockey for Paul Nicholls, but the news breaking that Cobden would follow in the footsteps of the likes of AP McCoy and Barry Geraghty by being retained ride for McManus in both and Britain and Ireland has left the Ditcheat team potentially looking elsewhere for a leading light at their yard.
Since the retirement of the abovementioned Geraghty, McManus has opted to not have a retained rider in Britain, whilst Mark Walsh was given the green and gold silks position on Irish soil, but he will be soon be ousted by Cobden at the end of the current jumps season.
A statement from McManus to the Racing Post said:
“JP McManus has announced the appointment of Harry Cobden as his retained rider for the forthcoming National Hunt season in both the UK and Ireland.”
Commenting on the decision, McManus said: “I’m delighted to secure Harry Cobden’s services for next season.”
Cobden has already been a part of the McManus operation having ridden 13 winners for legendary Irish owner in 67 rides, and his excitement was shared on Sky Sports racing, as he said:
There’s lots of quality there, so it’s great. I’ve really only probably had one job in racing, and that’s with Paul Nicholls. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him and the support I’ve had from him and his owners over the last ten years has been unbelievable.
Mark Walsh will remain as number one jockey in Ireland until May, so he will still keep the key rides on some of the big heavyweight performers in Ireland, but it will be interesting to see what role Cobden has to play in the coming months with the McManus ranks.interesting to see what role Cobden has to play in the coming months with the McManus ranks.