Cobden returns with a winner at Wincanton
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 29 Jan 2026
Harry Cobden made the perfect return to the saddle when his first ride back, Pourquoi Pas Papa, breezed to victory at Wincanton.
The former champion jockey has been out of action since being stood down after taking a fall at Ascot earlier this month that was the culmination of a whirlwind week for the 27-year-old.
He was announced as JP McManus’ number one rider for next season, picked up the ride on McManus’ Jonbon in the Clarence House Chase but was then forced to miss the mount due to an earlier fall on the card.
Having sat out the action at Cheltenham on Festival Trials day he was back in the plate to assist current boss Paul Nicholls in the Visit Irish Bloodstock Sales With ITM Maiden Hurdle, guiding the 5-4 favourite to a seven-length success.
He told Racing TV: “He travelled well, did everything nicely and jumped well and I think having only 10st 7lb today with the ground heavy was quite a big advantage.
“Even so he still had to win and he did it nicely.”
On his enforced absence, he added: “I’ve had a few days off and I didn’t watch a whole heap of racing, but it was a nice little rest and I’m back in good form again now.
“I was looking forward to coming back (today), but when I’m off I do try to stay off the phone, get back to a bit of normality and enjoy the farming and do something I want to do away from racing.
“It doesn’t do you any good sat inside cooped up watching the telly missing winners every day.”
Cobden’s second mount of the day, Nicholls’ Take Your Time, was pulled up in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Dick Hunt Handicap Chase
However, things could get better for Cobden on Saturday after being booked by Willie Mullins to partner Kauto Star Novices’ Chase winner Kitzbuhel when he returns to Britain seeking more Grade One honours in the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
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