He’s young, he’s handsome, and he’s right at the top of his game.
We’re not talking about Paddy, obviously, but his new racing ambassador Harry Cobden!
Paddy Power is delighted to announce that the Champion Jockey has joined his stable of racing experts to deliver even more insight, mischief and mayhem – all just in time for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
And he’s jumped right in at the deep end, recording his first podcast for Paddy which you can watch on YouTube or catch in your From The Horse’ Mouth feed wherever you get your podcasts from right now!
And, to kick things off, Harry ran us through some of his favourite racing memories as well as giving us the latest on Bravemansgame and his hopes for the Grand National.
“Clan Des Obeaux is my favourite horse I’ve ever ridden,” Harry said, “I had so many great days on him. He was just the most straightforward, lovely, easy, good-jumping horse.
“I had my first Grade 1 chase on him in the King George and that’s one you never forget.
I’ve always wanted to win the Gold Cup
“But in terms of the best single race I’ve ever ridden in, I’ve been in loads of great races, but I’d say the one at the top of my list was a three-runner race and it was Cyrname v Altior at Ascot.
“You might have to jog your memory a little bit but it was an unbelievable day and the performance from both horses was pretty special!
“Bravemansgame had a quiet-enough January and his main aim probably is to run in the Grand National and the wind op is just a step along the way. I’m certainly not writing him off.
“He travelled well for a long way at Kempton and then jumped the third last and stopped very quickly. He’s in the right race at Newbury on Saturday and he should be winning that, really.”
Harry also joined the great Ruby Walsh and serial winner Mick Fitzgerald in a brain storming session on how best to announce his arrival. It went about as well as you could expect and you can watch that below.
NEW SIGNING: The great Harry Cobden joins Paddy Power as an ambassador 🏇
Now we just need some ideas… 👇@CobdenHarry | @mickfitzg | @MCYeeehaaa | 18+ | GambleAware pic.twitter.com/lhjKOY7LHj
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) February 7, 2025
It was the perfect crash course in what to expect for the 26-year-old who must be wondering what he’s let himself in for.
And, to be clear, he has signed a contract. There’s no backing out now!
However, always the optimist, the 2023/24 Champion Jockey is never one to shirk a challenge.
“Obviously, Ruby and Mick are getting on a bit, so I thought there was room for a fresher face!” Cobden laughed. “Joking aside, Paddy Power is a massive bookmaker, and I’ve always wanted to work with a company like them.
I didn’t think twice about it
As for what he’s signed up for? Cobden insists he’s ready. “I’ve always said I’ll try anything once – but I am a jockey first and foremost, so I’ll be sensible. Within reason.”
As part of his exciting new role Harry will be offering exclusive insights into the biggest racing meeting on the planet like Cheltenham, Aintree and beyond.
He’s probably going to regret it but he’s agreed to feature in Paddy’s excellent video and social content as well as providing punters with weekly updates and betting previews which you will be able to find right here on PP News.
He’ll be featuring on Paddy’s podcasts and digital channels so make sure you’re subscribed to From The Horse’s Mouth and Paddy’s YouTube so you don’t miss a thing.
Paddy’s always innovating and the David Power Jockeys’ Cup has added a new dimension to the UK racing scene, with Harry revealing it’s changed the way he plans his schedule.
“The prize fund is a fairly strong incentive, isn’t it?” Cobden admitted. “But what I love about it is that it’s based around the biggest meetings , the races that actually matter to punters, so it rewards quality over quantity.
“Champion Jockey is great, but it’s a long slog – you end up riding horses you wouldn’t normally ride just to clock up numbers,” he explained.
“The David Power Jockeys’ Cup is different. It’s got me thinking more about the weekends, about targeting the best races. It’s a proper competition, and I’d love to win it.”
One man who has put up with Paddy’s nonsense for a long, long time is Ruby Walsh and he was on hand to offer some typically-sage advice to the new recruit.
“Does Harry understand what he’s getting into with Paddy Power? Probably not, but he’ll learn quickly on the job.
When asked what Cobden brings to the team, Walsh didn’t hesitate: “Nothing new!” he joked, before conceding, “But in all seriousness, he’s got a great seat, he’s tactically very sharp, and he knows how to time his rides to perfection. That’s what sets him apart.”
On the challenges ahead for Cobden, Walsh had some sage advice: “Enjoy the gags – they’re meant to be humorous. Go with it, don’t take it personally. It’s all just meant to be fun.”
“Harry Cobden is one of the best jockeys in the country, so naturally, we wanted him in our stable – especially while Ruby and Mick are still knocking around.” Paddy added.
“He’s got the racing nous, a natural on-camera presence, and, crucially, he doesn’t take himself too seriously – which makes him a perfect fit for us.
“That being said, we’d like to apologise in advance for whatever nonsense we put him through in the coming months. He’s got no idea what he’s signed up for!”
So, all that’s left to say is welcome Harry and good luck. You’re going to need it!
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