'I’m very excited, but also relieved that we’ve managed to do it,' says the champion jockey and Betway ambassador in his exclusive column
Champion jockey
Saturday is the day I’ve been waiting for and being crowned Stobart Champion Jump Jockey is undoubtedly the highlight of my career.
It’s not just one day or one horse, like winning a Gold Cup. A huge amount of work goes into it and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
Not being able to win it for so long almost makes it sweeter in a way.
There are a mix of emotions. Obviously I’m very excited, but there’s also a fair degree of relief that we’ve managed to do it.
I absolutely love my job and the buzz of riding a winner is why we all do it.
Every time you go back into the winners’ enclosure there are so many people that are thrilled – the trainer, the owner, the stable lass or lad.
You see it on their faces when you come back in and that’s a lovely feeling.
Family affair
All of my family are going to be at Sandown – my wife, our three children, my parents, in-laws, brothers and many more.
They’re actually all turning up on a coach together so it should be a really fun day.
It’s a shame that my grandfather Ivor isn’t around to see it. I rode my first ever winner for him on Rusty Bridge.
David Nicholson was also a massive influence on my career. He got me started really. Hopefully his wife Dinah will be there.
In the evening, we’re then going to have a few drinks to celebrate with family and friends. I’m glad there’s no racing on Sunday!
AP McCoy
It’s going to be a very special moment for me when AP [McCoy] presents me with the trophy.
No single person has dominated a sport like AP did and it was an honour and a privilege to ride against him.
Of course I would have loved to have beaten him while he was still riding, but being able to say that you’re champion jockey is the most important thing.
My season has been up there with a number of AP’s top seasons in terms of winners, so it’s nice to get that sort of number.
A few thank yous
I know it sounds like a cliche, but I honestly couldn’t have done it without the help of so many people and I’d like to thank them all.
My family, agent Dave Roberts, all the trainers and owners I’ve ridden for, Roy Partridge who has driven me up and down the country and Chris Maude and his team of valets.
Holiday time
I’ve got four days off until the start of next season, but it’s going to be Punchestown for my holidays!
We’re all going over to Ireland for a few days and I could be riding Top Gamble and Wait For Me on Tuesday.
Top Gamble will want the rain while Wait For Me needs it to stay dry. We’ve been really pleased with Wait For Me since Cheltenham – that race seems to have made him a man.
He’s definitely got a big race in him on decent ground. I think there’s plenty more to come.
Saturday rides
Menorah has won the last two runnings of the Oaksey Chase (2.55pm) and let’s hope he can score the hat-trick.
The ground will suit him perfectly and Philip’s [Hobbs] horses have been in flying form over the past few days.
After Christmas this has always been the plan for Menorah. We just thought that Cheltenham and Aintree would be too tough for him.
It would be lovely to go out with a winner.
Sausalito Sunrise (4.10pm) has had a good campaign, winning two big handicaps. I thought the handicapper was pretty harsh on him after Ascot when he went up a stone.
He prefers good ground and this will be the best he’s run on all year. He’s in good form and we’re putting on a pair of cheekpieces to keep his mind on the job.
It’s not going to be easy off top weight, but at least it’s quite a compressed handicap.
Carole’s Destrier could be the main danger. He won well at the course earlier in the season and should appreciate the trip.
My final ride of the season is on Mad Jack Mytton in the closing handicap hurdle (5.55pm).
I was lucky enough to win this race last year when AP had his final ride. It would be nice to finish on the same note.
It really depends on which Mad Jack Mytton turns up. I’ve ridden him a few times this season and he’s run a couple of really solid races.
It’s a very competitive race, but Jonjo’s [O’Neill] horses are running well and he has an each-way chance.
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