Races
Getting To Know: Paddy Brennan
Irish jockey Paddy Brennan is a fan favourite in the world of horse racing and bids for a seventh win at the Cheltenham Festival next week
Irish jockey Paddy Brennan is a fan favourite in the world of horse racing and bids for a seventh win at the Cheltenham Festival next week
Published
1 month agoon
The yard’s retained rider, Paddy Brennan, has tasted victory at National Hunt’s most esteemed week and will be hoping to replicate that vein of success for his current stable. The Galway native has ridden over 1,300 National Hunt winners in his career, which dates back to 2000. His first win arrived at Cork aboard the Jim Bolger trained Traditional, and a first Grade 1 followed just under five years later at Aintree.
Ashley Brook breezed home in the Maghull Novices’ Chase, having been denied only a length in the Arkle a month before under the same jockey. Brennan, however, would dine at the elite table at the Cheltenham Festival twelve months on.
Shamayoun was the first of six victories for the pilot at the Gloucestershire showcase, winning the now-Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at 40-1.
Most notoriously, Imperial Commander’s dual Festival successes in both the Ryanair and Cheltenham Gold Cup – during an era of the mighty Kauto Star and Denman, will hold most prestige for Paddy and his band of followers.
Will those silks be carried first past the post once again next Thursday when Imperial Alcazar, a big hope for Ravenswell, heads for the Pertemps Final?
Paddy talks about his hopes for the 2021 renewal, life outside racing and more Cheltenham related topics below.
Ravenswell Farm has brought new beginnings and new dreams to both mine and Fergal’s lives. I feel this season is the start of something big and a Cheltenham Festival winner would be massive.
Exeter. I absolutely love the place. The cream always rises there – the best horse will come out on top.
I enjoy spending time with my family. They are everything and bring so much happiness into my life.
Of course, it’s a disappointment. I meet so many people that have religiously gone to the Cheltenham Festival for 15 years or more. When you win there, the people are everything. The future looks bright and it will be even more exciting when they return.
Imperial Alcazar is in great form, could not be happier with him. He has us all dreaming. This will be a greater test, but I feel he is more than up for it.
Imperial Commander had everything, he won a Gold Cup when it was seen as an impossible task to beat Kauto Star and Denman. Life moves too fast to say he got overlooked, but I think at the time he opened people’s eyes and closed plenty of mouths!
I wear my heart on my sleeve so if you follow me, you’ll know if I really like one. Minella Tara is a lovely horse and I can’t wait to ride him over fences.
Any race at Cheltenham is ultra-special. I don’t have a preference!
Honeysuckle.
Goosebumps.
If they haven’t already – which is highly unlikely, of course, there are only five more days until the goosebumps begin…
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