RHYS Clutterbuck thought boss Gary Moore was pulling his leg when he told him he was booked to ride the Northumberland Plate favourite.
Moore helped the young jock – who is related to Only Fools and Horses legend David Jason – get the ride on Trueshan after a week of wheeling and dealing.
Jockey super-agent Tony Hind reached out to Moore to let him know the ride on Alan King’s star stayer was going spare.
The pair worked hard behind the scenes to get Clutterbuck the opportunity – and the 5lb claimer couldn’t believe it when he heard the news.
Clutterbuck said: “Hollie Doyle usually rides him but she has to ride something else in the race.
“He’s got a big weight to carry so his connections were keen to claim off him.
“Gary called me in the other morning and said they were trying to get me the ride on Trueshan – I thought he was winding me up.
“I checked the racecard the other evening and saw I’d been jocked up on him – I was shocked.”
Trueshan is the hot 9-2 favourite with Ladbrokes for today’s £150,000 Newcastle feature.
He bagged a Group 2 last October and was fancied for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot – but he was scratched late because of fast ground.
Clutterbuck, 20, reckons the horse’s touch of class can help him defy his monster weight.
He said: “He’s a Group horse going back into a handicap, so he is clearly the best horse in the race.
“My claim taking 5lb off his back will be a big help and hopefully he can show his class on the day.
“Riding a horse like him in a big race is what you dream of. It’s a massive handicap and will be on ITV, so hopefully I can show what I can do to a wider audience.”
David Jason, who played Derek Trotter in the hit sitcom for 22 years, could be among those tuning in.
And Clutterbuck will use one of Del Boy’s mantras in today’s big race – he who dares, wins.
Clutterbuck grinned: “David Jason is my dad’s cousin. I don’t see too much of him these days, but when he and my dad were growing up they were very close – they were like brothers.
“He’s obviously a huge legend. I’m not sure if he is big into his racing, but I like to think he is looking out for me and keeping an eye on my career.
“This would be my biggest ride I’ve had so far, so I’ll be nervous but I’m going to make sure I don’t have any regrets out there.”
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