Cobden makes flying start to McManus job

Some of the greatest names in the weighing room have donned the famous green and gold of JP McManus down the years, but after a whirlwind 24 hours at Cheltenham, it is fair to say the silks fit Harry Cobden well.

There was perhaps never any doubt the 28-year-old would thrive in his new role having been snapped up to take on a position occupied by the likes of Charlie Swan, Sir Anthony McCoy and Barry Geraghty down the years.

However, Prestbury Park is where McManus treasures winners most and success in this hallowed part of Gloucestershire will be where Cobden’s success will be measured most.

Up first on Friday came Jonbon then Ben Pauling’s Meetmebythesea provided his owner with a first victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

“It’s a wonderful day and you don’t come here often with the chance to ride horses like this in these type of races,” said Cobden of the 2-1 favourite.

“I’ve been very lucky in the past and riding for Paul (Nicholls) I was given all these great opportunities that I was probably too young to appreciate. Now I feel a little older I know to enjoy them and one day you might not be in this position.

“The arms, the legs and the elbows all came out at the last two but he winged them and he was so brave. Probably seeing an ex-Nicholls horse (Blueking d’Oroux) come up alongside me spurred me on a little bit but it’s just great isn’t it.

“It’s been an unbelievable two days and you just have to pinch yourself a bit.”

Having been entrusted by Paul Nicholls to captain Ditcheat’s team of jockeys from the age of 20, it could be argued Cobden’s new position is one he is already well schooled for, perhaps even born for.

Explaining the relationship with his new boss, he added: “There wasn’t any extra pressure and I slept well last night and was ready for it. Ultimately it’s my job to steer them round and win, I’m not riding to just take part.

“There is some pressure but when you ride for a man like Mr McManus you just walk into the paddock and don’t even talk about the race. He’s paid me to get the job done and I go through the races and do my due diligence and hopefully get it right.

“I’m just a small cog in a big wheel and I’m lucky I just get to ride them. It was a big day for all involved and thankfully it all went right.

“I did have a decision to make over whether to go to Ireland but Ben has been very sweet on this horse and I’ve been away and worked him and schooled him and he has a touch of class.”

Now the question remains will Meetmebythesea give Cobden a Christmas to remember and provide him with a third King George VI Chase.

Cobden said: “He’s only six and if he was a year older you would be confident but I just wonder if he is quite ready for it.

“I’ve ridden a good few horses in the King George and you do worry about over-racing these horses, but I will leave those decisions to the boss and Ben.

“When you have nice horses like that you do have to chuck them in the deep end at some stage, but being only a six-year-old you don’t want to put mileage on him until he is ready.”

Two days, two big winners and with Harry Lowes in the Greatwood Hurdle still to come, the last word perhaps goes to the man who pays the bills.

McManus said: “He’s done well – he can keep his job for another week!”