Easterby up for 'pretty formidable' US challenge that defeated National heroes

William Easterby bids to succeed where Sam Waley-Cohen and Gordon Elliott failed by winning the Maryland Hunt Cup on Saturday.

The Grand National-winning rider and trainer were both placed in past runnings of the $100,000 timber race, which no British jockey has yet won.

Easterby, the son of and assistant to Yorkshire trainer Tim Easterby, is among three men bidding to change that in the 125th staging of a prestigious contest, which is restricted to amateur riders and involves jumping 22 timber fences over a 4m course at Worthington Valley.

He rides Pocket Talk for Joe Davies, the most successful trainer in the race, having come by the ride after replying to an advert on the Amateur Jockeys Association's Facebook page.

"I've walked the track and it's not like anything we have in jump racing in the UK," said Easterby, who is spending a fortnight with Davies in the build up to the race.

"The 'Timbers', which are what I've ridden over so far and are what the Hunt Cup is comprised of, are tall, upright and stiff. The obstacles this weekend look pretty formidable."

The 12-year-old Pocket Talk won two point-to-points in Ireland under Derek O’Connor in 2017 before being sold to race in the US.

"I've only sat on him once so far but I really liked him," said Easterby, who has ridden 19 winners over jumps in Britain and 14 on the Flat. "He's quite forward going and enjoys his jumping."

William Easterby: 'I've only sat on him once so far but I really liked him'Credit: David Carr

Davies has three runners in the race, including last year’s winner Vintage Vinnie who will be ridden by his son Teddy and is likely to start favourite.

The other British rider taking part is George Daly on William Dowling’s Sideling Hill.

The Maryland Hunt Cup, which was first run in 1894, is considered one of the stiffest challenges in world jump racing and its roll of honour includes subsequent Grand National winners Jay Trump and Ben Nevis.

Read more:

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