Harry Cobden sealed JP McManus’s first Paddy Power Gold Cup win at Cheltenham on Saturday, steering Meetmebythesea to victory in front of a reduced crowd. The 2-1 favourite pulled clear of Dan Skelton’s Blueking D’Oroux over the last fence, finishing two and a half lengths ahead after a tense battle.
Cobden, who claimed the 2023-24 jump jockey championship, raised his fists as he crossed the line on the six-year-old, who justified the favourites’ tag in a field cut to 10 runners following five non-runners, including the well-supported July Flower. Torneo, sent off at 12-1, finished just half a length behind Blueking D’Oroux in third.
Speaking to ITV Sport after the race, Cobden acknowledged the significance of the moment. “These big days don’t come along very often and I’m going to enjoy every single one of them from now on,” he said. The 28-year-old, who became McManus’s retained jockey in Britain and Ireland this May, added: “To ride a horse like this in a race like that, you just have to pinch yourself to be in this position. It’s wonderful for the boss [McManus], he puts so much into racing, I’m just the lucky man that’s allowed to be part of it.”
Meetmebythesea’s performance reflected the confidence placed in him by trainer Ben Pauling, who praised the horse’s jumping and stamina on the day. “He jumped brilliantly and travelled really well… and showed a bit of guts there to win well,” Pauling said. When asked if the horse might target the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, Pauling was cautious. “I don’t know what I see him as,” he admitted. “He needed to do that today. I think he showed a lot more than we have seen from him so far, but he’s just really good.”
Pauling also noted the challenge of assessing Meetmebythesea’s potential before competing in such a high-profile race. “You don’t know what you have got under the bonnet until you compete in races like that, but that was really cool,” he added.
This victory marked a second major success at Cheltenham for Meetmebythesea, who previously won there as a novice during the Festival in March. The win at the Paddy Power Gold Cup adds to the horse’s growing reputation among the top jumpers in Britain and Ireland.
The race unfolded with Blueking D’Oroux and Meetmebythesea matching strides until the final fence, where Cobden’s mount pulled away decisively. The contest included a smaller field than usual due to several withdrawals, but the quality of the contenders remained high.
McManus, one of the sport’s leading owners, secured his first victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup after years of involvement in jump racing. His investment and backing of riders and trainers continue to influence the sport across Britain and Ireland.
Cobden’s role as McManus’s retained rider has seen him partner several promising horses, but this win will stand out in his career alongside his championship title. The jockey’s ability to navigate the pressure of a major Cheltenham race and deliver when it counts was evident in the final stages.
Meetmebythesea’s future plans remain open, with Pauling’s comments reflecting a measured approach to the horse’s next steps. The six-year-old’s performance suggested a level of maturity and resilience that could see him take on more challenging contests, though Pauling stopped short of confirming any specific targets beyond the current season.
According to BBC Sports.
