Throughout its long history, the Randox Grand National has been won by jockeys with many different backgrounds. The most successful Jump jockey of all time Sir AP McCoy famously did not win the great race until his 15th attempt aboard Don’t Push It in 2010 while such great champions as Jonjo O’Neill, John Francome and Peter Scudamore never enjoyed success.
Last season saw Harry Cobden crowned champion Jump jockey for the first time. The now 26-year-old won on his first ride over the Grand National fences when partnering Ultragold to victory in the 2017 Randox Topham Chase and the duo won the same contest again in 2018. He has been out of luck in six rides in the Randox Grand National so far, faring best when 14th aboard Just A Par in 2017.
Cobden is hoping for a change of luck in the £1-millon contest in 2025 and said today: “The Grand National is every jockey’s dream. The two races I want to win are the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National. If I could take one of them I can retire a happy man!
“It’s brilliant riding at Aintree. Obviously the dynamics of the Grand National fences have changed a lot over the last 15 years or so and have become a lot more horse friendly. They ride well and it’s an incredible buzz to ride over them. It’s a great experience and I am lucky to be riding in races like the Topham and the Grand National.”
Cobden has cause for optimism in 2025 as the stable jockey to 14-times champion Jump trainer Paul Nicholls. Nicholls, who saddled the 2012 Grand National hero Neptune Collonges, has five entries this year – Bravemansgame, Hitman, Kandoo Kid, Stay Away Fay and Threeunderthrufive.
Assessing his possible chances, Cobden said: “I’ve had a few rides in the race but not really ridden a horse with a serious chance. This year it looks like we have a horse or two entered with a real serious live chance of winning, although you need luck in running of course.
“The Grand National is still a long way away but each of those five horses entered are decent horses in their own right and if things go right they would also deserve to take their chance in such a prestigious race.
“Bravemansgame doesn’t need any introduction. He has been second in a Gold Cup and has been the most fantastic servant.
“Hitman has run in multiple Grade Ones without winning one but has always been very consistent at the top level all the time. He is probably 5lbs short of being a champion but goes well at Aintree and loves the Grand National Meeting.
“Threeunderthrufive ran very well on his reappearance at Ascot last month and has won loads of races throughout his career and been a fantastic horse. He’s rated in the 150s so is definitely not short of ability and I think he should stay well. That sort of trip should be right up his street.
“Stay Away Fay was obviously an Albert Bartlett winner as a younger horse. Things haven’t really gone his way and he’s had a few niggly issues but he seems to be coming back and doing the right things at home - he’s impressing everyone again. He wouldn’t have as much experience over fences as some of the others but could be one that could improve if he sneaks into the race.
“Kandoo Kid was brilliant over the fences last year when third in the Topham – he didn’t miss a beat and jumped fantastically. He obviously won the Coral Gold Cup on his seasonal reappearance and is very lightly raced for a horse that is nine.
"I think he is still improving and has a great profile for the race. Fingers crossed he can get there in one piece – I think he has a massive chance. He is quite a light framed horse who doesn’t take loads of work and went to Newbury without a prep run so could probably do the same for a National.”