The two horse racing broadcasters close out their National Hunt season preview by picking out the jockeys and trainers to follow this term.
Jockeys to watch
GARY O’BRIEN
Carl Millar
Gordon Elliott boasts an enviable squad of jockeys at his Cullentra House base and 7lb claimer Carl Millar could be set for another big season. A slow burner initially – he partnered just one winner from his first 41 rides in his first two campaigns in the conditional ranks – the Dubliner has proved tremendous value for his allowance during the past eighteen months. He has recorded a string of major handicap successes, the latest on Kala Conti at Down Royal not long after returning from injury, and can be expected to make the most of the opportunities that come his way.
NICK LIGHTFOOT
Sam Twiston-Davies
A very established name, but I’ve been so impressed with Sam Twiston-Davies this season. A 20% strike rate with over 50 wins on the board by late October tells the tale of a rider enjoying a fine, fine season so far. While father Nigel is the main supporter, allegiances with Anthony Honeyball and James Owen have yielded very positive results.
Freddie Gingell
The rise and rise of Freddie Gingell. It shouldn’t be forgotten that it is less than three years since the rider landed a first ever winner from just his second ride and now, in late 2024 he is a Grade 1 winning rider who splits his rides between Paul Nicholls and his uncle, Joe Tizzard. Gingell is supported by the right yards to continue his progression.
Harry Cobden
Seems odd to put up the reigning champion jockey as a rider to follow, but I firmly believe that he is still on the rise. Given he’s just 25 years of age, it’s perfectly easy to argue that as the case. Harry Cobden missed a couple of months during this summer through injury, allowing Sean Bowen and Harry Skelton to steal a march in the early stages of the new season, and while this campaign might not be about retaining his title, Cobden will be a huge factor when I’m considering my punting – particularly during the run of feature Saturdays through the winter.
Trainers to watch
GARY O’BRIEN
Cian Collins
Collins has made an excellent impression since taking out a license in 2022, with the redoubtable Effernock Fizz proving a great early flag-bearer. He is not afraid to travel to Britain in search of opportunities for his horses and recently celebrated his first Cheltenham success via Impero. With an excellent staff that includes former jockeys Davy Condon and Denis O’Regan, his runners on both sides of the Irish sea will continue to command maximum respect going forward.
NICK LIGHTFOOT
Harry Derham
Needs little introduction. The nephew of Paul Nicholls, Harry Derham achieved 44 winners from just 179 runners last in his first full season. The strike rate rarely, if ever, dips below 25 per cent, and he is only going to continue his ascent up the training ranks
James Owen
James Owen and the Gredley family are fast becoming the pick of trainer/owner combinations for juvenile hurdlers in this country. Their conveyor belt of ex-flat horses selected to go hurdling is proving very fruitful – including East India Dock, Opec, Liam Swagger and perhaps more – and come the Cheltenham Festival maybe one or two of their leading lights can end up a player for a race like the Triumph Hurdle.
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