Races
Getting To Know: James King
James King discusses his win aboard Cousin Pascal at the Grand National Festival last week
James King discusses his win aboard Cousin Pascal at the Grand National Festival last week
Published
1 year agoon
Amateur jockeys missed the Cheltenham Festival but with an ease in covid-19 restrictions at the turn of the month, they were able to return in time at Aintree for the three-day fixture.
The point-to-point scene is now back in full flow and for riders like James, this means a return to some form of normality after its suspension in Janaury.
I was confident he’d run well, it is always good for a horse coming into a race off the back of a win. All he had done since Joe got him at the back end of last year was improve. Joe assured me that he would be suited to the fences and was in the form of his life, and he was right. The BHA handicapper has raised him another 17lb to an official rating of 135 now.
Yes, my plan was to be very positive and stay out of trouble. In races like these, there is always a cavalry charge over the first few and lots of jostling for positions. After getting a good start, I steadied it up down the side of the course and got into a great rhythm jumping and galloping. In my previous rides over the fences, I kept to a similar game plan, and they worked out well for me.
Winning the race previously on Dineur was a great achievement after finishing a gallant second the year before to On The Fringe. I’m not sure experience over the fences is key as Cousin Pascal was tackling them for the first time as oppose to Dineur who had shown a liking for them on his previous attempt over them.
Yes, I had a great weekend racing at both Mollington and Shelfield Park with 3 winners combined and numerous placings. I think the kick you get out of riding a winner is amazing and the thirst for more is what drives you.
It was very disappointing for amateurs to miss Cheltenham this year – although, I’ve never really had much luck around there! Horses are always being worked and it was obviously great to be back for Aintree.
Let the fences come to you.
My local and favourite track is Maisemore Park. It’s great racing and a great day out. The viewing is exceptional for the spectators and the track is fair to ride round.
Harry Skelton.
He started off in the British point-to-point ranks and has come right through.
Dominic Chapman is senior content writer at Low6 with a passion for horse racing. He provides a NAP and NB every day throughout the week on selected National Hunt and Flat cards in both Britain and Ireland. Additionally, he hosts the Paddock Picks Podcast with former Welsh Grand National-winning pilot, Charlie Poste - the pair interviewing and discussing current racing topics with a special guest every week.
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