Cobden crowned Champion Jockey

Harry Cobden has spoken of his relief after he was finally crowned National Hunt jump jockey champion for the first time.

The 25-year-old was crowned winner at Chepstow on Spring Gale on the eve of the final meeting of the season, eventually finishing seven wins clear of runner-up Sean Bowen.

In what was a close battle the duo all season, Cobden became only the eighth rider to win the championship since 1981-82.

“It was fantastic to do it and just probably a bit of a relief, but it was a tremendous season,” said Cobden. “You probably don't appreciate how big a moment until you reflect on it.

“I think there are something like seven champion jockeys in the last 40-plus years so it was a huge achievement. I'm obviously immensely proud and hopefully we can do it again one day.”

Cobden, who has been a stable jockey with Paul Nicholls in Ditcheat since he was a child, is the trainer's first jump jockey winner.

Nicholls himself missed out on the jump trainers championship, finishing third.

“Normally I'm sort of a 450 rides a year sort of jockey and this year I've had 730-something. That's stepped up massively,” Cobden said.

“I think the pressure probably kicked in the last fortnight just because I was trying to get it over the line and I probably didn't ride as well because you're forcing it rather than letting it happen. I'm glad it's all over now.”

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