Jockeys at the Cheltenham Festival

While the trainers do all the hard work behind the scenes, on the day, it’s down to the jockeys to get the best out of the horses. If a jockey can’t control their horse, then all of the blame rests on their shoulders so it’s vital that they choose the right ride and then perform on the day. Ahead of the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, Bet UK take a look at the top 5 jockeys to keep an eye on. Whether you have a favourite jockey or trainer, you can place a wager on the festival here at Bet UK. We will also provide you with news, Cheltenham Festival betting tips and the latest odds throughout the event.Bet UK are also offering Cheltenham betting offers throughout the Festival.

Nico De Boinville

With Ruby Walsh now retired, Nico De Boinville has to be considered as one of the favourites for the 2022 Cheltenham Top Jockey. De Boinville had 3 winners last year, including big odds winners in Pentland Hills and William Henry. Of course, the horse everyone will be looking out for is Altior. De Boinville and Altior have a 94% winning percentage when racing together and ahead of a likely Champion Chase entry this year, there is no reason to back against him. A slight scare for Altior at Ascot saw him finish 2nd, but he has already bounced back with another win in January.

Barry Geraghty

2019 Winners - Defi Du Seuil (3/1), Sire Du Berlais (4/1) 2020 Favourite - Epatante @ 9/2 in the Champion Hurdle

Despite having two winners in back to back races last year, Barry Geraghty will have his eyes on Champion Hurdle glory with Epatante. In 2019, Epatante was the early favourite for the National Hunt, but disappointingly finished 9th in an unspectacular field. But, since that loss, Epatante has won at both Kempton and Newbury and looks back to his best. This year, Geraghty will likely be riding him in the Champion Hurdle, which is the highlight race of the opening day. He’ll be up against Pentland Hills and Honeysuckle, but given everything goes to plan, it will be a perfect start for Barry Geraghty.

Paul Townend

2019 Winners - Duc Des Genievres (5/1), Al Boum Photo (12/1) 2020 Favourite - Al Boum Photo @ 4/1 in Gold Cup

Paul Townend finally gave Willie Mullins his first Gold Cup win in 2019 with a 12/1 winner in Al Boum Photo. It was an impressive run by both Al Boum Photo and Townend, who pushed his horse to a two and a half length win. Last year, his SP was 12/1 but that has dropped to a 4/1 second favourite in 2020. That’s because since the Gold Cup, Al Boum Photo has finished second and first in his two races. After getting his first taste of a Gold Cup win last year, Willie Mullins will surely have been priming Al Boum Photo for another win. With Paul Townend riding him again, then there is every chance that we see another Mullins winner.

Harry Skelton

2019 Winners - Roksana (10/1), Ch’tibello (12/1) 2020 Favourite - Allmankind @ 9/2 in the JCB Triumph Hurdle

Teaming up with brother Dan, Harry Skelton is always a jockey to look out for when scanning a racecard. Last year, he had a couple of decent price winners in Roksana and Ch’tibello, who will both be expecting to run again in the 2020 Festival. But, he might be most confident about riding Allmankind. Back in November, Allmankind remarkably won by 37 lengths, and has backed that run up with another two comfortable wins. One of those wins actually came at Cheltenham with a 2 ½ length win at 11/4. Given the form and the obvious understanding between jockey and horse, Harry Skelton will be hoping to make the bookies regret pricing Allmankind as high as 9/2.

Rachael Blackmore

2019 Winners - A Plus Tard (5/1), Minella Indo (50/1) 2020 Favourite - A Plus Tard @ 5/2 in the Ryanair Chase

Rachael Blackmore was one of 3 female jockeys that took the Cheltenham Festival by storm in 2019. Last year saw the first female jockey to win at the Festival in Bryony Frost, with Lizzie Kelly and Rachael Blackmore also picking up wins. But, this year, Rachael Blackmore has the best chance of repeating her success. She was a winner with A Plus Tard last year and looks like she could get another win this year. Racing in the Ryanair Chase, Blackmore will be hoping that A Plus Tard brings his good form into Cheltenham and gets her another win at the Festival.

Bet On The Cheltenham Festival at Bet UK

In the lead up to the event, get the latest Cheltenham betting odds over at Bet UK’s online betting. Not sure which horse to bet on? Then take a look at our Cheltenham betting tips for the thoughts of our racing expert.

*All odds from Bet UK’s online betting markets correct at the time of writing.

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