Cobden making sure he is clued up on Irish racing action
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Harry Cobden is watching more Irish racing than he ever has, as he counts down the days before taking over as JP McManus’ retained rider in both England and Ireland next season.
Cobden has only ever worked for Paul Nicholls since becoming a fully-fledged jockey, but in recent years has been picking up more and more outside rides, winning the Scottish Grand National last year for Willie Mullins on Captain Cody.
His sole Cheltenham Festival victory last week was also for Mullins, on Kitzbuhel on the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.
“I’ve not watched a whole heap of Irish racing before but I’d say I’m watching more now than I ever have,” said Cobden.
“It’s exciting, I’m looking forward to the new job and I’m looking forward to riding those horses and ultimately it is a new challenge.
“I’ve only ever had one job in racing before and that was with Paul Nicholls. That lasted 10 years, but I feel I’m ready for a new challenge and thankfully this opportunity came along at the right time.”
Heading into Cheltenham Cobden’s great hope was No Drama This End for Nicholls in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, but the favourite was never travelling at any stage.
“I’d say the plan is Aintree as it would be a shame if we ended on that note. He’s obviously a very good horse, it was just one of those frustrating things,” said Cobden, speaking to The Levy Board.
“The start, in my opinion, wasn’t the only issue. I was lining up front line, I just wasn’t quick enough over the first two and going past the stands I just felt like I couldn’t really go.
“Yeah you can go 10 wide, but you never saw Ruby Walsh go 10 wide on good ground to try win a race at Cheltenham so I opted to stay down the inner. I got some criticism but it is what it is, it’s gone and we look forward to getting him back at Aintree.”
With Nicholls not set to be represented in the Grand National, Cobden may be required for one of his future employer’s runners with the likes of I Am Maximus, Spillane’s Tower, Iroko, Jagwar and Johnnywho all potential starters for McManus
“Paul doesn’t have a runner in the race, but Mr McManus has a nice few and Willie Mullins has a few. I haven’t heard anything so I’m not going to count my chickens before they hatch,” said Cobden.
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