From Halcon Genelardais to Smad Place: Wayne Hutchinson's six superstar rides

Halcon Genelardais

Although number two to 'Choc' Thornton, Wayne Hutchinson was already unbeaten in two starts on Halcon Genelardais when he got his big opportunity in the 2006 Coral Welsh National at Chepstow.

He said: "Halcon was one of those promising unexposed second-season novices and everything went so smoothly. It all just fell nicely into place and we beat a subsequent Grand National winner in Mon Mome."

Oh Crick

Hutchinson had never ridden Oh Crick in public and had yet to ride a festival winner when the six-year-old was sent off a well-fancied second favourite for the 2009 Grand Annual Chase at Cheltenham.

Oh Crick and Wayne Hutchinson after winning the Grand AnnualCredit: John Grossick

He remembered: "Oh Crick was a novice and he had only ten stone, so 'Choc' couldn't do the weight. Alan [King, trainer] had him well prepared and I found a lovely slot on the inside and we just held on from Moon Over Miami."

L'Unique

L'Unique provided Hutchinson with a memorable first Grade 1 success when winning the 4-Y-O Hurdle at Aintree in 2013.

He remarked: "L'Unique was a good juvenile and Alan sidestepped Cheltenham to wait for Aintree. She was the only one with the filly's allowance and she was a landmark winner for me."

Godsmejudge

Alan King enjoyed Scottish National success with Baronet and Moorcroft Boy while assisting David Nicholson, but he always wanted to win one in his own name and it was Godsmejudge who delivered in 2013.

Godsmejudge: won the Scottish NationalCredit: John Grossick

Hutchinson recalled: "The Scottish National is a race any jockey would love to win, but it was extra special to me because of what it meant to Alan."

Balder Succes

Hutchinson got the ride on Balder Succes halfway through his novice chase season and the partnership was an immediate success, winning Grade 2s at Warwick and Kempton, and then the Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree in the spring of 2014.

There was a further Grade 1 win in the 2015 Betfair Ascot Chase, but just two months later the seven-year-old was fatally injured at Aintree.

Hutchinson said: "I had some great days on Balder, but sadly also one of my worst. Horses like him don't come along too often in any jockey's career."

Smad Place

Hutchinson enjoyed some memorable rides on Smad Place, their five wins including the 2014 Hennessy Gold Cup and 2017 Old Roan Chase.

He said: "Smad Place was an absolute gentleman and a joy to ride. Winning the Hennessy on him was a very special day."

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