Working hard and riding high as winning partnership pays dividends

Not everyone always reaps the deserved reward for their labours. Some do, however, and the ascent of the David O'Meara stable in the last few years can stand as an exemplar of the virtues of sheer hard graft.

Stable jockey Danny Tudhope's career arc has risen in tandem with the trainer, yet in the rider's case there has long been a sense that his achievements – Group 1 winner, Arlington Million winner, dual century-maker, now Royal Ascot winner – have largely slipped under the radar.

Danny Tudhope celebrates his first Royal Ascot victory on Out Do in the WokinghamCredit: Mark Cranham (cranhamphoto.com)

Unassuming and largely unsung, Tudhope is not one to sound a fanfare before himself. The difference is that now others are doing it on his behalf as he compiles what is shaping up to be the best season of his career. The rider has 68 winners already, and for the first time his name has been linked to the words 'possible future champion'.

Not this year, however. "It is going very well at the minute and long may it continue but no-one's gonna beat Silvestre de Sousa this year," says Tudhope, 31. "I know how lucky I am to be riding for someone like David and maybe a couple of years down the line it could be possible and it's nice to think about it. But yes, we've been having a fantastic year – I must admit I didn't expect to be in this position but I'm very happy at the minute."