Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Horse Racing

Teenage jockey Jack Tudor hoping Potters Corner can star in Grand National after winning cartoon version last season

, Teenage jockey Jack Tudor hoping Potters Corner can star in Grand National after winning cartoon version last season

A YEAR ago he earned a virtual place in the Grand National record books…now Jack Tudor is determined to get there for real.

He’s just praying the outcome at Aintree in a week’s time is the same as the “cartoon” version which gripped the nation and raised millions for charity.

Tudor is one of the brightest talents in the weighing room
Potters Corner won the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow at the end of 2019

Last April, the teenage jockey found himself in the bizarre position of sitting in his lounge and cheering himself to glory in the world’s most famous horse race.

When the pandemic meant the National was postponed, a computer generated version was run, at the same time as the real thing would have taken place.

Victory went to Potters Corner, the Christian Williams-trained 18-1 shot due to be ridden by young Jack…once he had actually qualified to take part.

So Tudor, together with his parents and three sisters, tuned in back home in Merthyr Mawr, the tiny Welsh village outside Bridgend. And what a day it proved to be.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Potters Corner won, and 17-year-old Tudor was a National champion – equalling 1938 hero Bruce Hobbs as the youngest ever winning jockey. Only in reality, he wasn’t.

This time, though, there will be nothing virtual about it…although there are similarities, like carrying the same weight it had a year ago and starting around the same price.

And like 12 months back, there are plenty who reckon the team from the Valleys will be celebrating for real next Saturday.

Tudor certainly hopes so – and has every faith in his mount. He said: “Last year was brilliant, although I only really started focusing on Potters Corner over the last four or five fences.

“By then my mum and dad and sisters were all shouting – and by the time he got to the elbow so was I! That was a bit odd, cheering for yourself to win a race.

“It was a great thing to be involved in, but it would have been even better if I’d got my ten per cent for winning the race as well!

“I was working in Christian’s yard that night – there was only me and him in there, just keeping things ticking over – and there was a buzz about it all.

“He’s actually got a sticker with ‘Virtual Grand National winner 2020’ on the side of the horse box too.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“Potters Corner has won a Welsh National on way worse ground than this will be and we’ve got no doubts with the trip or his jumping. It will be lovely racing ground, so let’s see.”

At least this time there is no late rush to ensure young Jack has ridden enough winners over fences to take part, unlike last year, when he still needed two more before he could do so.

In reality it wouldn’t have been an issue – trainer Williams would have made sure of that – but waiting 12 months for his Aintree debut means he will go there a more polished pilot.

“Last year I needed a couple more winners to get qualified to ride in the race, but it was about three weeks away so I’m sure it wouldn’t have been a problem.

“Twelve months ago the yard was flying and I was confident and ready for it, but now I’ve obviously ridden a lot more since, so let’s see. They say practice makes perfect!

“I know the horse is a year older now, I will definitely go into the race as a better rider, a bit older and wiser. They do say practice makes perfect!”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

The horse is part owned by Wales rugby star Jonathan Davies…and as a kid Tudor himself had dreams of Six Nations glory as much as Cheltenham and Aintree triumphs.

He was a decent scrum half, playing for the Vale of Glamorgan, and it was only when size DID start to matter that he committed totally to his other love of horses.

Tudor added: “When I was about 14 I was probably actually leaning towards rugby rather than racing.

“But they were trying to build me up in the gym and get me bigger, and that’s when I thought ‘this isn’t for me really.’

“Even though I’d played for my county, I decided to focus 100 per cent on racing, and it was a one-way street from then.”

A one-way street that could end with the biggest prize of all next weekend and also guarantee he is forever the subject of the greatest pub question of all.

Which jockey managed to win the Grand National twice but had only ridden in it once? Now that would be a place in the record books no-one would ever take off him.

FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to SE. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Lukaku's Transfer U-turn Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku is reportedly considering a dramatic transfer U-turn that could see him leave Chelsea permanently after his loan...

Golf

Glam to Natural Paige Spiranac surprises her fans with a more natural appearance, ditching the glam for a new look that has everyone talking....

Premier League

Xabi Alonso Prefers to Stay at Bayer Leverkusen Liverpool is in search of a new manager following Jurgen Klopp's departure, but reports suggest that...

Premier League

Major Rule Change The Premier League has implemented a significant rule change regarding ball boys and girls after a recent incident involving Coventry manager...

Premier League

Green Light for Ambitious Project Birmingham City FC is on the verge of finalizing a £50 million deal to acquire an abandoned motor circuit...

Premier League

Dynamic Trio of Best Pals Erling Haaland is known for his pranks, and according to Sander Berge, the close friendship between Haaland, Martin Odegaard,...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement