22-time Grade 1 winning jump jockey, Harry Cobden secured his 100th winning ride of the season yesterday at Lingfield Racecourse, in the Winter Million Novices' Handicap Hurdle aboard Inthewaterside, trained by Paul Nicholls. 

The 25-year-old, Somerset–based jockey is currently second in the 2023/4 Jump Jockeys’ Championship behind peer Sean Bowen. Bowen, who reached his 100th winner of the season in November is currently recovering from injury and hopes to be back in the saddle by the end of the month.  

The 2023/4 Jump Jockeys’ Championship runs from 1st May, 2023 - 27th April, 2024, and the winning title is awarded to the jockey that has ridden the most winners during this period. 

On reaching his 100th winner of the season Cobden said: “Riding 100 winners is always my aim at the start of the season so it is great to reach that milestone. I am pleased with how the season is going but there is a long way to go in the Championship yet. I’ve been very fortunate to have some fantastic support from many owners and trainers this season, and I can’t forget my agent Sam Strong who works extremely hard to organise everything.” 

Coben has enjoyed eight winners so far this month and celebrated 16 wins in December. The December tally also included a Grade 1 [the highest rank] win in the Coral Challow Novice’s Hurdle at Newbury Racecourse. This was the third win for Cobden and Captain Teague, for trainer Paul Nicholls.  

Another notable win was with Stage Star in the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham’s November meeting for Nicholls. Not only was this a memorable win for Cobden but also for spectators as Cobden demonstrated his spectacular talent in the saddle when the pair tripped at the last fence but ran on to win the race in true style.  

It was on the same day Coden achieved his win with the James Owen trained horse Burdett Road at the favourable Cheltenham racecourse in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle. 

Proving to be strong contenders both Stage Star and Burdett Road are entered to run at Cheltenham Festival which takes place from Tuesday 12th – Friday 15th March. Cobden will have a strong book of rides throughout the Festival, which is the pinnacle of Jump racing. 

With a successful season and continuous wins Cobden edges closer to fellow jockey Sean Bowen, in the Jump Jockey Championship 2023/4, who is currently injured, just 21 wins away.  

Sam Twiston-Davies also keeps the competition strong, following Cobden closely in third position with 79 winners.