Happy with freelance switch as century is now firmly in sight

It was a big decision to turn freelance at the beginning of the season, and I’m happy with how things have gone so far. My first target at the start of any season over the last few years has been to reach 100 winners as soon as possible, and the century is firmly in sight now after I rode my 92nd winner at Newbury on Friday.

Somebody told me the other day my six winners this week up until on Friday were for different trainers – Nick Williams (Night Of Sin), Jamie Snowden (Early Morning Rain), Neil Mulholland (Walt), Jonjo O’Neill (Quarenta), Dad (One For Rosie) and Shaun Harris (Hear The Chimes). Big respect to my agent Chris Broad – Broady – for working so hard to get me on to so many good outside rides with serious chances. I’ll continue to work hard to build up contacts.

Walt on his way to victory at Kempton last SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

The highlight was Walt landing the old Racing Post Chase at Kempton last Saturday. He had won nicely at Taunton and travelled like the best horse at the weights next time at Newbury only to be denied close home. I was gutted he got beat that day and it was wonderful to put matters right in such a big Saturday handicap.