I've watched this guy studiously for months now, and come to the conclusion he is the luckiest jockey riding at the top level today.
And his brother Dan is jeopardising his chances of being champion trainer by using him as his no1 jockey
He can't ride from the front because he doesn't have a clock in his head (unless he is on an out-and-out front runner who cannot be ridden any other way)
He's a poor mans Jamie Spencer, invariably employing exaggerated hold up tactics with his mount away in the back division, then trying to come with a hero run to win the race - sometimes it comes off, because he rides a lot of good horses, but my point is he has a very limited playbook in terms of riding versatility.
To cap it all off, he is decidedly weak in a finish - dont believe me? Watch him closely. His style is agricultural when he is forced to ask his mount for sustained maximum effort, he begins to bounce vigorously up and down on the saddle, hampering not helping the animal go forward. I've seen him lose many a race once he becomes embroiled in a sustained hard ride on the run in. Not that he isnt entitled to lose some, its part of the job - but he gets out-ridden so many times in my opinion.
The best jump jockey by a mile in my opinion is Charlie Deutsch, who is a master at both front running and cool hold up rides. Watching them both in a race is a stark comparison.
Dan Skelton would get more winners, and most crucially, more big race wins, if Deutsch was his jockey
I agree Stevo, seems to hit too much trouble in running. Think Cobden and Deutsch get more unobstructed runs than most and in a finish wouldn't go past STD but overall would go for S Bowen. McConnell and Elliott both go to him regularly. Most over-rated for me is Hughes
I agree Stevo, seems to hit too much trouble in running. Think Cobden and Deutsch get more unobstructed runs than most and in a finish wouldn't go past STD but overall would go for S Bowen. McConnell and Elliott both go to him regularly. Most over-ra
AP more so for grinding winners than winning big races...
Yes he won big races, but Mr Mulligan and Synchronized for the gold cup when the top horses of his era were Best mate, Kauto Star, Denman is a poor return.
Don't think Dunwoody would have got off these horses if he was riding them.
AP more so for grinding winners than winning big races...Yes he won big races, but Mr Mulligan and Synchronized for the gold cup when the top horses of his era were Best mate, Kauto Star, Denman is a poor return.Don't think Dunwoody would have got of
Nico is different class I agree, On the fence about Harry Sk. For me he;s one of those who I miss when they go in and bet when they get beat. That doesn;t make him a bad jockey though, does it. In post race interview he has often said how lucky he is to be riding for a trainer of genius. He knows he is well off and I think consequently gives it as much as possible, every time. Whether Dan would be better off with someone else is debatable. I couldn;t say.
Nico is different class I agree, On the fence about Harry Sk. For me he;s one of those who I miss when they go in and bet when they get beat. That doesn;t make him a bad jockey though, does it. In post race interview he has often said how lucky h
These threads could go on for days and you'd still have complete disagreement as it's all too subjective.
Some jockeys will be better than others but nobody ( including themselves ) have a clue whether a good or bad is imminent.
So by siding with a particular jockey in a race is fairly pointless when bigger names are already factored into the horse's odds and the fact that it's guesswork anyway.
My theory is that any punter expecting a jockey to ride to the best of their ability every mount , a trainer to produce a horse to run to its best every time or a horse to run to their OR every time is in the wrong game and their punting lives will continue to disappoint.
Jockeys are only ever seen as good/bad as their last ride as this forum confirms on a daily basis.
Vast majority of punters select horses mainly by choosing jockey , trainer , form or official rating yet over 98% of them are still long term losers , what does that tell you.
Good luck all
These threads could go on for days and you'd still have complete disagreement as it's all too subjective.Some jockeys will be better than others but nobody ( including themselves ) have a clue whether a good or bad is imminent.So by siding with a par
Should we stop offering our opinions then Hayden? It is a forum after all, and forums are all about opinions. And even though we discuss subjects from time to time most of are fully aware of the contents of your post. Hope you continue to prosper.
Should we stop offering our opinions then Hayden? It is a forum after all, and forums are all about opinions. And even though we discuss subjects from time to time most of are fully aware of the contents of your post.Hope you continue to prosper.