Danny McMenamin in dreamland after lifting champion conditional title

Danny McMenamin was attempting to come to grips with the "surreal" experience of joining a roll of honour that includes Sir Anthony McCoy, Richard Johnson and Brian Hughes after he was crowned Britian's champion conditional jockey on Saturday.

The Northern Irishman, who has been based with Nicky Richards in Cumbria since arriving in Britain in 2017, has enjoyed a breakthrough season in the saddle, riding 46 winners and enjoying his first Grade 2 success when Nuts Well landed the Old Roan Chase back in October.

Delighted to be reunited with Nuts Well on a rare trip to Sandown, the 20-year-old highlighted being in action on the big days to have stood out for him.

"Nuts Well winning the Old Roan was unreal and a day I'll never forget," said the rider. "It's brilliant to be riding in those sorts of races.

"Losing my claim was another thing I hoped to do this season. It was a nice time to do it going into the back-end of the season and it helped me keep the momentum going afterwards."

Danny McMenamin punches the air after winning the Old Roan Chase on Nuts WellCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Originally from Downpatrick, McMenamin has graduated from pony racing in Ireland but had never ridden under rules before moving to Britain.

He thought a top-three finish in the title race was achievable after riding 28 winners last season but his expectations were soon exceeded following strong support from trainers based in the north.

"It's amazing and a bit surreal," said the rider. "I don't know how to feel about it but I'm sure I'll look back in a day or two and it will be a great memory.

"Every lad starting out dreams about being champion conditional but for me I was more trying to get the experience and if it happened it happened, and luckily for me it has.

Danny McMenamin on Nicky Richards (above): 'Nicky is a top boss, he has been amazing to me and helped me a lot'Credit: Edward Whitaker

"Nicky is a top boss, he has been amazing to me and helped me a lot – not just about racing but about life. He has always had advice when I’ve asked and I’m glad I came to him."

Asked if he had expectations to scoop the senior riders' title in the future, he added: "Hopefully I can get to that point at some stage but the target at the moment is to keep improving."

Harry Skelton was officially crowned champion jump jockey for the first time in Britain at Sandown, while Paul Nicholls celebrated his 12th trainers' title and JP McManus became the leading owner in Britain for the 14th time.

Read more:

'It feels amazing' – Harry Skelton crowned champion jump jockey in Britain

'I always feel I've stuff to prove' – a day with Brian Hughes and Harry Skelton

'It's David and Goliath' – McCain says Skelton's firepower too much for Hughes

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