How much is a jockey worth? That's the question as red-hot Angus Cheleda thrives

3.05 Musselburgh
Betway 'Auld Reekie' Handicap Chase | 2m4½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

What is a jockey worth?

Some argue a rider's ability is one of the most important factors, but others think horseracing is like motor racing in that if you put any competent driver into the best car they would win.

There may be some truth to that in Formula One. Just look at what George Russell was able to do when he replaced Lewis Hamilton in the Sakhir Grand Prix. The Briton was on course for victory before a botched pitstop put an end to his hopes. So is horseracing the same?

To my eye, going into this year there was only one outstanding jump jockey left and Barry Geraghty's retirement has left a vacuum. Now, there doesn't appear much between the jump jockeys in Britain and that includes conditionals and amateurs, who have been making hay.

Take Angus Cheleda, for example. He had ridden just four winners from 42 runners (-£21.15 to £1 level stakes; actual/expected (A/E) winners figure of 0.68) before the start of this year, but in 2020 he has upped that to seven winners from 20 rides (+£34.50; A/E figure of 1.55).

Angus Cheleda has won five times for Paul Nicholls this season from only nine runners

That improvement can at least partially be attributed to his new connection with Paul Nicholls. The pair have teamed up for five winners from nine runners this season and Cheleda's last two mounts for the 11-times champion trainer have won. Can he strike again on Red Risk?

Cheleda's strike-rate this year is right up with the best of them, yet he is able to claim 7lb off the topweight's back which will, in effect, mean Red Risk races off just 1lb higher than when bolting up by 11 lengths under Harry Cobden at Ludlow in February. He must go close.

One other jockey booking to note is Tom O'Brien on Garde La Victoire.

O'Brien is a regular pilot for the Hobbs team, but he doesn't make the trip north to Musselburgh too often. In fact, he has ridden at the track only five times in the last five seasons and partnered three winners, a second and a third. His presence may be a tip in itself.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

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What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Red Risk
The flat track and better ground should suit him. He got stuck in the mud at Ascot last time. I'm hopeful of a good run with Angus [Cheleda] taking off 7lb.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Romain De Senam
He got brought down in the Caspian Caviar through no fault of his own. I thought he was going to run quite well that day and I think he'll run quite well in this.

Dan Skelton saddles Romain De Senam in the Betway 'Auld Reekie' Handicap ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Rebecca Menzies, trainer of Return Ticket
He seems to have improved after having his wind done, and loves Musselburgh. The step back up in trip probably isn't ideal, but he's settling a lot better and now's the time to try it. I wouldn't want too much more rain for him as he's ground dependent.

Richard Hobson, trainer of Fanzio
He's a consistent horse and goes to Musselburgh in great order. It's an open race, but the ground and trip should suit so he must have a big shout.

Iain Jardine, trainer of Cool Mix
He's in good form at home. The handicapper hasn't altered his mark for his third behind Yorkhill at Newcastle last time. He finished third in the race last year, and the trip suits him fine. It's a competitive race, but I'd say he has a nice chance.

Sandy Thomson, trainer of Get Out The Gate
He's come back to form in his last two runs at Musselburgh and Kelso. It's possible he needs a bit further nowadays, but I was delighted with his performance last time when he beat No Regrets over three miles and we're happy to take our chance.

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