Jump-racing jockeys are a rare breed. Any occupation where you are followed around by an ambulance is beyond the realms of the layman’s imagination, but it is something that hardly comes to the mind of those brave souls that navigate big fences on horses going at speeds of up to 40 mph.
British and Irish jockeys are renowned the world over and they are now preparing to take to the stage at the biggest jump racing meeting of them all, the Cheltenham Festival.
The Cheltenham Festival is famous the world over, with the best horses, trainers, and jockeys, going to battle for four days in March, where 28 of the biggest races of the season will be up for decision.
Top Jockeys To Watch At Cheltenham 2023
Interest in watching and supporting jockeys has become more popular in recent years, with Paddy Power racing odds now available on rider’s markets at the big festivals.
Jockeys at the Cheltenham Festival in particular are closely analyzed throughout the four days of action, and the Cheltenham Festival top jockey odds are already compiled for you to study and decide on your favorite.
Here are just some of the jockeys you will have an opportunity to support.
Paul Townend
Having played second fiddle to the legendary, Ruby Walsh, for many years, Paul Townend is now showing the racing world exactly what he can do in the saddle. The Irish man has been aided by riding for the dominant trainer Willie Mullins, but Townend has consistently shown his prowess in the saddle over the years and deserves all of the plaudits he currently receives.
Townend has won the top jockey award at the festival for two of the last three years, and with a stunning team of horses to ride again this year, he is currently the 1/4 favorite to win once more.
Paul townend and Galopin des champs 🏆 ❤️🐎 pic.twitter.com/AZ18LGk9oN
— Gary (@Gary180x) February 4, 2023
Nico de Boinville
England’s Nico de Boinville is another young rider that has had to wait for his chance having been a backup rider for leading British trainer, Nicky Henderson, for many years. De Boinville’s career took off after his famous partnership with the brilliant Sprinter Sacre, and the 33-year-old has never looked back.
De Boinville now rides a collection of Britain’s best racehorses, and with the likes of short-priced favorites, Constitution Hill, and Jonbon, to look forward to this year, de Boinville is considered the second favorite to be the leading rider at the festival at a price of 5/1.
Rachael Blackmore
Now one of the most famous female athletes in the world, Rachael Blackmore has come from humble beginnings to be one of the best riders the sport has ever seen. Blackmore has burst onto the scene in recent years and became the first lady rider to be crowned top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021.
Unfortunately for Blackmore, some of her regular equine partners have been struggling for form this season, and that sees the leading lady of the weighing room now available to bet on at 11/1.
Other Jockeys To Note
Other jockeys that will be worth keeping an eye on at the Cheltenham Festival this year include, the recently unretired, Davy Russell, fellow Irishman, Danny Mullins, and young English rider, Harry Cobden.
