Potential jockey options for Paul Nicholls after Harry Cobden's Ditcheat departure

After a decade of having Harry Cobden in the saddle, Paul Nicholls will be without his long-standing number one rider come the end of the season. That’s because the former champion jockey has agreed to become the retained rider for the esteemed JP McManus beginning in May 2026. It’s a major blow for Ditcheat — where the firepower has arguably waned in recent seasons — but riding for the 14-time Champion Trainer remains one of the most prominent roles in British jump racing.

For punters and industry watchers alike, this change has already influenced horse racing odds, with many wondering who might inherit some of the biggest Saturday rides in the calendar. Nicholls may decide not to appoint a new retained rider at all, instead booking the best available jockey for each race — which could still include Cobden when McManus isn’t represented — or he could tap a permanent successor. If he opts for the latter route, here are a few viable candidates.

Sean Bowen

We begin with a scenario that feels unlikely, but one that would undoubtedly be a coup for Nicholls. Sean Bowen is arguably the standout talent among the current British ranks. The 28-year-old is the reigning British champion jockey, and would have likely earned the title the previous season had injury not intervened — a campaign in which Cobden was eventually crowned.

Bowen’s current partnership with Olly Murphy produces consistent winners, but not always at the highest grade. He has four Grade 1s to date and still awaits a breakthrough success at the Cheltenham Festival. In theory, jumping ship to Nicholls could fast-track his access to marquee rides, but with Murphy’s string trending upwards, it remains more likely Bowen sticks with the long-term project.

Lorcan Williams

Familiarity with Ditcheat could work firmly in Lorcan Williams’ favour. The Welshman spent time as a conditional at Nicholls earlier in his career and still rides work at the yard, occasionally picking up spare rides during the season.

Williams’ stock has risen significantly since linking up full-time with Jeremy Scott, not least thanks to last season’s Champion Hurdle triumph aboard Golden Ace. Those headline wins — and his proven composure on big stages — could bolster his credentials should Nicholls look internally for a successor.

Sam Twiston-Davies

Another former Ditcheat employee, Sam Twiston-Davies was Cobden’s predecessor as stable jockey before opting to go freelance in 2018. These days, he rides predominantly for his father, Nigel, and brother, Willy, as well as Anthony Honeyball, although he continues to pick up the occasional spare for Nicholls.

Tempting him back into a retained role may not prove as difficult as some may have thought, as Twiston-Davies told Matt Chapman on his popular Unbridled podcast with ex-jockey Paddy Brennan that he will hold talks with Nicholls over the position.

Freddie Gingell

Arguably the most realistic option, Freddie Gingell enters the conversation with momentum firmly on his side. Crowned champion conditional at the end of the 2024/25 season, Gingell has already demonstrated his capability in high-pressure races for Nicholls.

He captured the Paddy Power Gold Cup in 2024 and landed the Grade 2 Old Roan aboard Hitman later that year, while his Grade 1 breakthrough came aboard Elixir De Nutz in the Clarence House Chase for Joe Tizzard. Given the recent horse racing results and the faith Nicholls has already shown in him, the 20-year-old may represent the natural next step for the yard.

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Adam Regan: Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

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