Jockeys

Five Conditional Jockeys To Follow over the 2025/26 National Hunt season

admin September 19, 2025

As the summer slowly starts to fade away and the autumn begins to creep in, so does the arrival of the 2025/26 National Hunt campaign.

While the season started back in May for most jump racing fans and tipsters from FIRST.com, now is the time that the excitement really begins to build with the wraps starting to come off their equine heroes.

Not only will plenty of familiar faces be returning for more, but there will be lots of new talent on show, both with four legs and two.

Latching on to a good conditional jockey can be a valuable asset from a punting point of view with their ability to claim weight so often the difference between victory and defeat.

Many of the bigger yards will have at least one conditional rider on their books and, in most cases, these are often the ones to follow with ample opportunities likely to come their way.

So to help try and find a gem or two to follow in the saddle over the coming months we have selected five riders that are likely to be seen gracing the winners enclosure frequently.

Harry Atkins (based with Dan Skelton)

While Harry Skelton will once again be partnering the bulk of the runners from his brother Dan Skelton’s yard there will be plenty of other opportunities for others to be had given the size of the team attached to the stable.

One of those likely to be close to the top of that list is 20-year-old Harry Atkins, who can expect to pick up a fair number of rides having been steadily brought along by the Skelton team last season.

Although only partnering three winners during the 2024/25 campaign expect that number to increase significantly this term with the Alcester handler impressed by the improvement he has shown in the saddle coupled with his great work ethic.

With the Grade One winning trainer now feeling the time is ready to call on Atkins services on a more regular basis he can expect to pick up a number of useful rides throughout the season.

Elliott England (based with Ben Pauling)

Callum Pritchard needs little introduction having been the go to conditional jockey last season largely thanks to his victory aboard Al Dancer for trainer Sam Thomas in the 63rd Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton in November.

However, while he will be entrusted with the bulk of the rides at Ben Pauling’s yard behind stable jockey Ben Jones, the name Elliott England could also be one to make note of this season.

Described by Pauling as a ‘natural horseman’, the 20 year old has already partnered two winners from 10 rides for his current boss, which represents a solid figure.

Not only has he made an impact in the saddle, but his ability to be able to get a horse settled is deemed one of his major assets according to Pauling, which is a big plus to have on his side this early on in his career.

This season is likely to require England to be slightly patient, but when the right opportunities come along expect him to grab them with both hands.

Benjamin Macey (based with Jonjo and AJ O’Neill)

So far it has been steady progress made by Benjamin Macey, but if the early signs are a guide then he could become a player in the race to be crowned champion conditional jockey this season.

Based with Jonjo and AJ O’Neill the 20 year-old is reported to have the sort of work ethic required to succeed, while the hours put in with his jockey coach Will Kennedy have not gone unnoticed both at home, and on the racetrack.

Feedback from the gallops, and after races, are both important factors, and ones that Macey already excels in during this early stage of his career, which will stand him in good stead for the future.

With a good racing brain on him, and his sharp awareness tactically, expect Macey to have his claim reduced from seven pounds to five pounds sooner rather than later.

Isabelle Ryder (based with Jamie Snowden)

Having represented Great Britain at showjumping in her younger days, a career working with horses was always likely to beckon for Isabelle Ryder.

And a move to the yard of Lambourn-trainer Jamie Snowden back in May looks the type of switch that can help take her career to the next level.

From five rides for her new boss this season Ryder has only finished outside the first three once, with one of those outings resulting in victory aboard Doc McCoy.

Although it is still early days in her association with Snowden, the Grade One-winning trainer has been pleased with what he has seen and feels she has the ability to make an impact.

While Gavin Sheehan is very much the main man on the riding roster at Folly House, Ryder is likely to be given her share of opportunities to shine in the saddle.

Jay Tidball (based with Paul Nicholls)

Being attached to the yard of 14-time National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls comes with an added element of pressure given the high levels of expectations to succeed at the very top, but it is a place which has a rich history of producing talented riders.

Last year’s champion conditional jockey Freddie Gingell shows what having a yard like Nicholls behind a rider can do, while stable number one Harry Cobden also claimed the same title back in 2016/17 on route to his current position.

While having more experience than several other conditionals, Tidball, is already over half-way to beating his best seasonal tally of 15 winners, which he achieved last term, thanks to Nicholls already using him regularly over the summer period.

The Ditcheat master is not afraid of putting up a progressive conditional on the big occasion, and it would come as little surprise to see Tidball make appearances on some of the more notable racedays this campaign and really see his career flourish as the season progresses.

Which jockey holds the record for rides in the Grand National?

admin August 27, 2025

The jockey who holds the record for rides in the Grand National is Richard Johnson with 21. Johnson first rode in the celebrated steeplechase in 1997, parting company with his mount, Celtic Abbey, at The Chair during the infamous ‘Monday National’, postponed for 48 hours after a bomb threat forced the evacuation of Aintree Racecourse. Indeed, Johnson failed to complete the National Course on his first five attempts, but on his sixth, in 2002, came as close as he ever would to winning the race.

That year, Johnson rode 10/1 co-second favourite What’s Up Boys, trained by Philip Hobbs and, having been hampered at the seventh fence, aka ‘Foinavon’, found himself in the last half a dozen or so heading out onto the second circuit. However, the pair made significant headway at Valentine’s Brook on the second circuit, led over the final fence and were three lengths clear on the run-in, only to be overhauled close home and beaten a length and three-quarters by Bindaree.

Following that near-miss, Johnson rode in every renewal of the Grand National until 2016, but never finished bettter than second, which he did once more, on Balthazar King, also trained by Hobbs, in 2014. He did not ride in the Grand National in 2017 or 2018, but returned to Aintree for one last hurrah on Rock The Kasbah, for Hobbs again, but once again failed to complete the course.

Johnson announced his retirement from the saddle with immediate effect on April 3, 2021. During a career spanning nearly 30 years, he rode 3,819 winners won the National Hunt Jockeys’ Championship four years running in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Sadly, he also has the dubious distinction of being the jockey who has ridden most often in the Grand National without winning it.

Who is the Most Successful Aintree Grand National Jockey?

admin January 18, 2025

The Aintree Grand National started in 1839. The most famous steeplechase in the world has and continues to be very popular. With the exception of the War Years from 1941 – 1945, one void race in 1993, due to a false start, and nightmare what was Covid 19 pandemic in 2020, the races have been a staple for viewers across the globe.

176^th Aintree Grand National (2024) was won by I Am Maximus. It was the first win for Paul Townsend.

Thousands of jockeys have ridden in the Aintree Grand National. Clearly, many jockeys have had umpteen attempts.

The number of horses to have raced from 1839 to 2024 is approximately 5,400.

In every sense we are talking big numbers. However, the chances of a jockey winning this race are slim and dependent on a number of factors including the ability of the horse, trainer jockey and a big heaped spoonful of luck. When you consider all those variables, the percentage chance of a jockey winning the Aintree Grand National is at best 3%.

Now, I know what you are saying: ‘Red Rum’s jockey(s) had more chance of winning than most.’ And when you consider the performance of this legend it is true.

Red Rum’s Aintree Grand National Performances from the perspective of the jockey:

1973 – Brian Fletcher 1^st

1974 – Brian Fletcher 1^st

1975 – Brian Fletcher 2^nd

1976 – Tommy Stack 2^nd

1977 – Tommy Stack 1^st

If you were riding the great horse, over this period of time, winning the National was, if not easy, was a possibility.

When you look at the history of the Aintree Grand National, jockeys go from one extreme to the other.

For example, in this relatively modern era, Sir Tony McCoy (A.P.McCoy) had a sole win when riding Don’t Push It (2010). The 10/1jf, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, in the ownership of McManus was the first and last victory for McCoy. It was his 15 attempt. When you consider he was crowned Champion jockey for 20 consecutive years and amassed over 4,350 winners in his career, the National win wasn’t something to be taken for granted.

It should be mentioned that Jonjo O’Neill never even got round the National course.

He isn’t alone. There have been plenty of jockeys who have shown little success. Tom Scudamore rode 20 times and never in the first three.

He retired from race riding on the 23^rd February 2023.

It must have been all the more annoying when his grandfather won on Oxo in 1959.

After hearing how difficult it is to win the Aintree Grand National, it’s about time we highlight the most successful jockey who achieved the most wins.

It’s probably no surprise to hear this came in a bygone age when there were fewer contenders and the ability between horses extreme.

George Stevens is the leading jockey of the Grand National with 5 wins:

1856 – Freetrader 25/1

1863 – Emblem 4/1

1864 – Emblematic 10/1

1869 – The Colonel 100/7

1870 – The Colonel 7/2f

Two significant rides on The Colonel were for the 9^th Earl of Coventry, a Conservative politician, closely related to the royal family. The Eton educated Earl, enjoyed the high life and particularly racehorse ownership.

Stevens (1833-1871) started his riding career at the age of 16. In those days, races were infrequent and over a period of 22 years he won 76 races. Sadly, he was killed when suffering a fractured skull in 1871. His horse stumbled after bolting on his way home to Cleeve Hill.

In the last 15 years, three jockeys have faired well with two winners each:

2014 – Leighton Aspell 25/1

2015 – Leighton Aspell 25/1

2017 – Derek Fox 14/1

2018 – Davy Russell 10/1

2019 – Davy Russell 4/1f

2023 – Derek Fox 8/1f

Who will win this years Aintree Grand National?

Brian Fletcher Aintree Grand National Winner

admin January 9, 2025

Back in the day, professional horse racing jockeys started young.

It was a similar story for Brian Fletcher, he was just 16 when he started his career with Denys Smith located in Bishop Aukland in County Durham. In his first season he had 20 rides and achieved 3 wins.

Fletcher started riding in 1964.

It was a changing time. The Labour Party led by Harold Wilson had won the general election ending 13 years of Conservative rule, trade deficits and Beatlemania swept the world.

It wasn’t just Fletcher having a Hard Day’s Night.

Now, I know many readers won’t have first-hand experience of the 1960s but sports fans and Fletcher have a connection with one horse race which needs little introduction.

The Aintree Grand National.

In many respects these were the halcyon days. One horse, the astounding Red Rum, trained by Ginger McCain. However, Fletcher story in the Grand National started in 1967 when riding Red Alligator (30/1) who finished a gallant third behind another very famous winner in Foinavon who won at 100/1.

Fletcher wouldn’t have to wait long for his first success in the Aintree Grand National.

1968 – Red Alligator Wins The Grand National:

Red Alligator, a son of Magic Red, out of the mare Miss Alligator, made it second time lucky for him and Fletcher with a 20-length victory over Moidore’s Token, while Different Class finished third.

The nine-year-old gelding won the 122^nd Grand National at odds of 100/7. In the ownership of John Manners. A local pub near to trainer Denys Smith was named Red Alligator to celebrate his victory.

Brian Fletcher was just 19 years of age, although not the youngest winner of the National which is noted by Bruce Hobbs (1938) who was just 17.

Fletcher and Red Alligator would defend their title in 1969 but to no avail when the 13/2f (carrying 10lb extra for his win) fell at the 19^th fence.

In 1970, the partnership returned for a third try but this time they fell at the 11^th fence.

Brian Fletcher was gaining valuable experience in the most famous steeplechase of them all but he would have to wait for his next, most illustrious partnership.

In 1971, he rode ten-year-old The Inventor a 20/1 shot who refused at the 27 fence.

With no ride the following year, he was waiting for a horse to put him back in the limelight, and little did he know at this time it would change his life.

Red Rum: 1973, 1974 & 1977.

If you needed a reminder, those were the years Red Rum won the Aintree Grand National. No other horse has won the National three times and ‘Rummy’ would transform the lives of trainer Ginger McCain, Brian Fletcher & owner Noel Le Mare.

Not forgetting Tommy Stack (1977).

1973 –

The first win for the partnership and probably the most spectacular of all Red Rum’s victories beating the mighty Crisp, an epic contest, which saw Fletcher finish well to catch the Australia horse by three quarters of a length. Known as ‘The Black Kangeroo’ Richard Pitman’s mount carried 12 stones, while Red Rum 10 stone 5lbs. At one point, Crisp was leading by a distance (30+ lengths). With a 30-length lead at the last fence, it seemed impossible Red Rum could catch the Australian super star. He won in the last few strides for a very unlikely victory. The third placed, L’Escargot, went on to win the 1975 Grand National.

Crisp is known as the unluckiest horse in the race’s history.

The time of 9m 1.9s was a course record until 1990 (Mr Frisk).

It is considered among the ‘Greatest Nationals’ of all time.

Red Rum 9/1 1^st

Crisp 9/1 2^nd

L’Escargot 11/1 3^rd

Dist: 3/4, 25,

1974 –

After his first win, Red Rum would contest his National title under a weight of 12 stone. It proved an easy success for the nine-year-old gelding who won at odds of 11/1 by seven lengths ridden by Brian Fletcher who stood up in his irons and saluted the crowd. The commentary given so elegantly by Sir Peter O’Sullevan CBE (The Voice of Racing).

Noel Le Mare, dressed elegantly in bowler hat and brown overcoat standing next to him his wife dressed in pink with a white hat said: ‘[Red Rum] he made up his mind before the canal turn, it’s time for me to go…’

‘All this is due to the trainer, jockey and horse…’

Fletcher said: ‘Anyone can ride a horse like that. He’s a great horse.’

Red Rum 11/1 1^st

L’Escagot 17/2 2^nd

Charles Dickens 50/1 3^rd

Dist: 7, hd,

1977 –

A record breaker!

Red Rum, after finishing a gallant runner-up in 1975 and 1976, won the News of the World Grand National in 1977. The 131^st renewal would be a memorable day for Red Rum, but this time ridden by Tommy Stack at odds of 9/1jf.

At the age of 12 many thought ‘Rummy’ was too old to win!

However, it should be noted that while Brian Fletcher was jockey for Red Rum in 1975 he was replaced in 1976/1977 by Irish man Tommy Stack.

1976 Grand National, Brian Fletcher finished third place on Eyecatcher (28/1).

Take a look at Brian Fletcher’s Aintree Grand National rides:

1967 Red Alligator (30/1) 3^rd

1968 Red Alligator (100/7) 1^st

1969 Red Alligator (13/2) Fell (19^th fence)

1970 Red Alligator (13/1) Fell (13^th fence)

1971 The Inventor (20/1) Refused (27^th fence)

1972 No ride

1973 Red Rum (9/1) 1^st

1974 Red Rum (11/1) 1^st

1975 Red Rum (7/2) 2^nd

1976 Eyecatcher (28/1) 3^rd

Brian Fletcher retired from race riding in 1976. For a professional jockey he had a relatively short career of ten years. However, his performance in the Aintree Grand National is one which exemplifies a true talent. In nine races he achieved 3 wins, 1 second and 2 third places. It is unlikely any jockey will contest such performances. His association with Red Alligator, Red Rum and trainers Denys Smith, Ginger McCain, owners Noel Le Mare and John Manners saw him well.

Fletcher passed away in 2017 at the age of 69.

Derek Fox Wins the Aintree Grand National

admin January 7, 2025

Irishman, Derek Fox was born in Sligo on the 14^th May 1992.

Known for his horsemanship, calm demeanour and composure under pressure, Fox has risen through the ranks to hit the headline in 2017.

One For Arthur, trained by Lucinda Russell, wins the Aintree Grand National.

Fox won the race in style.

On the 19^th May 2010, Fox rode his first winner under racing rules at his home town of Sligo, for trainer Noel C Kelly, based in County Derry, Northern Ireland. Fox, a 7lb apprentice, rode Mighty Whitey (25/1) to win the Cleveragh INH Flat Race over 2m.

It was an enterprising ride from the apprentice on a green horse to hold off a late challenge with his mount struggled to negotiate the bend past the stand both times.

It would be the first of over 4500 rides, featuring over 400 wins and a strike rate of 9%.

In the last 4 years (2020 – 2024) Fox has achieved total earnings of almost £3M.

In 2016, Fox he transitioned to Scotland to be stable jockey for Lucinda Russell OBE, at Arlary House, Milnathort, Kinross, Perthshire, United Kingdom.

Fox has ridden over 200 winners for the stable with almost £4M in prize money. In fact, only Peter Buchanan has ridden more winners. He achieved 277 winners before retiring on the 23^rd April 2016, after being stable jockey for 13 years.

Buchanan never won a race at the Cheltenham Festival or Grand National, an accolade Derek Fox must cherish with not only one but two Aintree Grand National victories.

Aintree Racecourse has been a lucky track for Fox, especially with Ahoy Senor winning the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2021) & Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2022).

To ride a winner at Aintree’s Grand National is the pinnacle of every jockeys career.

Let’s take a look at Derek Fox’s National Wins:

2017 Aintree Grand National –

Often timing is everything and that was the case for Fox. Just under a year of being stable jockey for the Russell team (a loss Peter Buchanan must have felt) One For Arthur won the National at odds of 14/1, for owners, Deborah Thomson & Belinda McClung.

One For Arthur won well that day. Russell said: ‘For other horses it was a test but for him it was easy!’

This son of Milan out of a winning mare named Nonnetia, won by four and a half lengths from Cause Of Causes, with Saint Are in third.

What made the occasion so special is the fact it was Fox’s debut ride in the Grand National. In addition, he was returning less than a month after breaking his wrist and collarbone.

Lightning does strike twice.

2023 Aintree Grand National –

Corach Rambler, owned by The Ramblers, proved a perfect day for Lucinda Russell and their hard working team. The 8/1f gave Derek Fox his second win, and it was very much like a re-run of the first. He led at the last, going clear, and then idled in front but won with some authority by two and a quarter lengths from Vanillier (Gavin Cromwell) and third placed Gaillard Du Mesnil (Willie Mullins).

Fox said: ‘Corach Rambler is a phenomenal horse. Today he just jumped out and travelled everywhere, so I just let him bowl along. He is so intelligent. He won so easily, all I do is the steering.’

Let’s take a look at Derek Fox’s Aintree Grand National rides:

2017 – One For Arthur 14/1 1^st

2018 – No ride

2019 – One For Arthur 20/1 6^th

2020 – Cancelled due to COVID 19

2021 – No ride

2022 – Mighty Thunder 40/1 PU (25^th fence, Valentine’s Brook)

2023 – Corach Rambler 8/1f 1^st

2024 – Corach Rmabler 15/2 UR (Unseated Rider, 1^st fence)

Derek Fox, was blessed when he become stable jockey for Lucinda Russell. The achievement of two wins in the Grand National from five runs is quite astounding. Every ride being for the stable of Lucinda Russell.

The Irish man has come along way since that first win on Mighty Whitey, back in Sligo.