Harry Cobden’s future in National Hunt racing looks exceptionally bright after securing the coveted role of retained rider for legendary owner JP McManus in both Britain and Ireland. The 27-year-old jockey, who has been the number one rider for 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls at Ditcheat for the past ten years, will don the iconic green and gold silks of McManus starting from the end of the current season in May.
Veteran jockey Charlie Swan, who famously partnered McManus-owned Istabraq to three Champion Hurdle victories at Cheltenham and four wins in the Irish equivalent, supports Cobden’s move. Swan recognizes Cobden’s talent and understands why, after a long tenure at Somerset, the champion jockey of the 2023/24 season sought new challenges.
“Harry’s a very, very good rider. You can see why they’ve chosen him,” Swan told the Press Association. “He’s an excellent jockey, and Paul Nicholls doesn’t have as many top-class horses as before. With plenty of quality horses in the McManus yard, it’s a fantastic move for him. JP McManus is a phenomenal figure to ride for—it’s one of the best roles in National Hunt racing.”
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Although Cobden has limited experience competing across the Irish Sea, Swan believes adapting to the mix of tracks in Britain and Ireland will be straightforward. “It’s really not much different from England, with a variety of tracks,” he said. “The transition should be smooth given Harry’s skill.”
Barry Geraghty, McManus’s retained rider from 2015 to 2020 and now a William Hill ambassador, agrees that Cobden is an ideal choice. “The quality in the McManus stable is outstanding, featuring last season’s Gold Cup and Ryanair winners, The New Lion, Jonbon, and a host of promising novices. It’s a massive opportunity, and Harry is sure to embrace it fully. While riding for JP demands managing commitments between Britain and Ireland, Harry’s ability and professionalism will ensure a seamless adjustment.”
Geraghty also praised Cobden’s riding style: “He’s patient and tactful in his races—qualities JP values highly. He’s talented over both fences and hurdles and is a superb horseman. Although big jobs come with internal pressure, working for someone with JP’s profound understanding of racing is a privilege and brings confidence.”
Nicky Henderson, who has trained more big-race winners for McManus than any other British-based trainer—most notably four Champion Hurdle victories with Binocular, Buveur d’Air, and Epatante, plus multiple Grade One wins with Jonbon—hopes Cobden’s record on his horses improves swiftly. Though Cobden is currently winless in three rides for Henderson, the trainer has no doubts about his ability.
“That must be down to my training, not his riding,” Henderson joked. “Harry is, without question, a very good jockey.”
With Cobden bringing a patient, polished riding style and the opportunity to compete at the highest level across two national racing circuits, all eyes are on him as he takes over one of the most prestigious roles in the sport.