Harry Cobden: ‘Never say never’ in Jockeys’ Cup 

On this week’s Paddy Power Media’s ‘Harry Cobden Cheltenham Review’, the top rider joined host Patrick Kennelly with the topics including the David Power Jockeys’ Cup. 

Cobden is currently 78 points behind leader Harry Skelton and acknowledges the tough challenge that he is facing, but is determined to give it his all in the final few weeks left of the competition which finishes on Friday 4th April. 

Cobden said: “The bird looks to have flown, but never say never. I remember I went to Sandown one day and I had six rides – all of them won and I got off the wrong one, I rode the wrong one in another race there and that finished second. 

“So you never know – I have to ride eight winners and he [Skelton] has to ride none for me to beat him. It could happen but I’d say the chance of that happening are very, very slim. 

“So my target now is to fend old Nico [De Boinville] off and Sam Twiston-Davies for the 200 grand for the second place.” 

As well as picking up prize money for himself, Cobden’s finish will determine how much prize money goes to the trainer who provides the most rides to the jockey, as well as the stable staff. In Cobden’s case, that will be Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard. 

Cobden added: “I’ve been trying to ride in every ITV race and I remember one day, I probably could have ridden four winners at Taunton and I went to Ascot for one ride for Paul, in an ITV race, ended up finishing second.  

“It’s been on our mind all season so it’s certainly not through lack of trying anyway.  

“When I was in contention of actually winning it, they were getting excited about the 50 grand, but it’s not quite as exciting at the moment.”