Now over four days with 24 races the reason it’s become a popular bet is you can invariably still be in with a shout right down to the last day. With not every jockey riding in all races the bet often takes a bit of research as to who will be riding what, but the top jockeys from the leading stables are generally a good place to start .
The last three festivals have seen Ruby Walsh take the prize twice, both times with three wins. Since 1980 the most wins that landed the title was five when Barry Geraghty 2003, Tony McCoy 1998, and Jamie Osbourne 1992 all achieved that.
After the four day’s of racing the title is decided by the jockey with the most wins, but it can often be a tie. If this is the case the judges then look down to the amount of seconds, thirds and fourth placed efforts they have had to find an outright winner.
The betting odds for this years festival ‘Top Jock’ sees two time winner Ruby Walsh, with the powerful Paul Nicholls yard behind him, as the favourite at around 2/1, and with rides like Royal Sun Alliance Chase jolly Denman, and Gold Cup hot-pot Kauto Star in his armoury he’s bound to have his backers.
Of the rest Tony McCoy, who landed the prize in back-to-back years in 1997 and 1998, rides World Hurdle market leader Black Jack Ketchum, and Gold Cup hope Exotic Dancer amongst others, while Richard Johnson, for the Phillip Hobbs stable, looks to have great chances with Champion Hurdle jolly Detroit City and Arkle fancy Fair Along.
• 2006 Ruby Walsh (3)
• 2005 Graham Lee (3)
• 2004 Ruby Walsh (3)
• 2003 Barry Geraghty (5)
• 2002 Richard Johnson (2)
• 2001 Cancelled - foot & mouth
• 2000 Mick FitzGerald (4)
• 1999 Mick FitzGerald (4)
• 1998 Tony McCoy (5)
• 1997 Tony McCoy (3)
* All prices correct at time of writing.
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