In-form jockey Sean Quinlan credits agent as he closes in on career-best haul

In-form jockey Sean Quinlan has credited agent Richard Hale as the mastermind behind his winning momentum.

After 12 victories since Boxing Day, Quinlan has now ridden 35 winners this season, three behind his career-best total, and he has emphasised the value of the support from Hale, whom he joined halfway through the 2017-18 campaign.

"He’s been unbelievable since I joined him,” said Quinlan. “We had an aim at the start of the season to get 50 winners – which would be great – and we’re more than halfway there.

“A lot of it is down to Richard. He gets me rides and gets me on the best horses I can be on. I’ve just got to do the steering.

“The more rides you get, the more winners you get, and you take the confidence into your riding.”

Although Quinlan points out he is supported routinely by the likes of Jennie Candlish, Sue Smith, Dianne Sayer and Brian Ellison, he and Hale have achieved a wide network of partnerships with trainers, including one recent link which has proved particularly fruitful.

Quinlan said: “You start the season with the trainers you usually ride for and, now Adam Nicol and Tommy Dowson are both injured, I’ve managed to pick up a couple of spares with Phil Kirby.

“His horses are in flying form and I think he’ll be one of the top trainers in the north in the next two or three years.”

If 50 winners was the main goal, then getting a major Saturday horse is another target for Quinlan.

“Everyone is looking to ride a good horse,” he said. “Top Ville Ben is probably one of the best horses I’ve ridden this season. He was very good at Wetherby over Christmas and goes back for the Grade 2 novice chase over three miles [Towton Novices’ Chase]. Phil was on about sending him to the RSA if he wins that.

Phil Kirby: recent link-up has proved helpful for QuinlanCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"I’m not saying I’ll ride him because Tommy Dowson won on him first time and he might be back, but you just want to get on those good horses and ride those big Saturday winners.”

In the meantime, after his treble at Kelso on Sunday, the jockey turns his attention to five rides at Newcastle on Tuesday as he attempts to extend his run of three winners in a row.

Quinlan added: “The juvenile of Dianne Sayer’s [Baileys Artist] jumps really well at home, but they’ve got to bring it to the track; it’s the same with the mare [My Shirocco].

“I ride one for Stuart Coltherd [Budarri], who was second last time out. I think he can go really close in the 2m½f handicap chase [3.20].”

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