Harry Cobden: Sad We Didn’t See Much of Topofthegame; Probably Best Horse I’ve Sat On

Constitution Hill has potential to be greatest ever, adds 25-year-old jockey

Episode two of new music-and-chat podcast series Disc Jockeys features Harry Cobden, who discusses his career to date and what it would mean to win the Champion Jockey title

Harry Cobden has remarked that that Topofthegame is probably the best horse he’s sat on and it was a real shame the public never got to see his full potential; as he sat down on the latest episode of new podcast Disc Jockeys produced by creative marketing agency Square in the Air.

The new weekly show sees host Chris Barnett chat to some of the biggest names in racing who look back on the key moments in their careers through five carefully selected musical tracks, all in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Square in the Air will donate £250 per episode to the Injured Jockeys Fund on behalf of each guest and are encouraging listeners to also pledge support. Each show will also be available on Spotify.

Listen via:

• Spotify: https:// open.spotify. com/show/07x8I2CXRZSZJ7jPSyZS4T?si=654e7ca7f642459c
• Donate via JustGiving: https:// www. JustGiving. com/page/sitadiscjockeys

Episode Two: Harry Cobden

Despite having arguably the most pressurised job in racing as stable jockey to 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls, Cobden sees the position he finds himself in as a dream.

“My career in the saddle so far has been a dream come true,” said Cobden. “Riding such good horses so consistently over the last few seasons has been amazing. I’ve had so much support, from many different owners and trainers and I’ve got to the point where I’m getting good opportunities all across the country as well as back home with Paul [Nicholls] at Ditcheat where I ride out.

“I’m only 25 but it’s a career I’m already very proud of and I’ve had some amazing moments along the way. Of them all there’s two I can’t split as my best with the first being my first King George success on Clan Des Obeaux. That was an amazing day, one I will never forget. It was the first time I had ever ridden in that race, so I was probably too young to appreciate how big of an occasion it was at the time. Looking back, it was special.

“The other moment that sticks out in my memory was my second Cheltenham Festival winner on Topofthegame. He was one of the best horses I have ever rode – perhaps the best – and it’s sad the racing world probably never got to see his full potential.”

Kauto Star the best we’ll see, but Constitution Hill is right up there

Cobden has ridden out at Nicholls’ yard since he was 13 and rode his first winner when he was 16 having skipped his GCSE English exam to do so. While the likes of Topofthegame and Cyrname are horses he cherishes highly there are two that stand out; both of which he was able to ride.

“Kauto Star is probably the greatest racehorse we’ll ever see,” Cobden said. “My first racing memory was in 2007 when he won his first Gold Cup. Obviously, trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Clive Smith. It was a superb ride from Ruby [Walsh] and it was a real spectacle and performance that got me hooked on racing. I haven’t really looked back since.

“I’d love to have a go on Constitution Hill at the moment. He wins his races so effortlessly and he does things other horses can’t. He jumps quicker and slicker and has a freakishly good turn of foot. He’s one of the greatest horses I have ever seen and it’s frightening how much talent that horse has got.”