I’ve been lucky enough to create a few memories of my own at Cheltenham but it wasn’t that long ago that I was watching the action on the TV.

I take a look back and pick out some of my favourite memories at the Cheltenham Festival, starting from when I was a youngster right up to being fortunate enough to ride at Jump racing’s signature event and claim a few winners.

Cheltenham Memories

My fondest Cheltenham memory is probably similar to many racing fans; I simply loved Kauto Star and his jockey Ruby Walsh is certainly a rider I looked up to. Their partnership was very special. I got the racing bug after watching those two run in great Gold Cup races on TV.

Up until 2009, no horse had ever regained the Cheltenham Gold Cup. But Kauto Star was no ordinary horse.@PFNicholls, @Ruby_Walsh and Clifford Baker share his incredible story… pic.twitter.com/Fq8kvxY8ut

— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 14, 2019

When I think of some of the best performances at the Cheltenham Festival, I think of Vautour and Hurricane Fly. All those great horses associated with Ruby Walsh, and Willie Mullins are the ones that stick in my mind.

Ruby is definitely someone I admired from an early age. He could do anything, he could win from the front or play the waiting game from the back.. His record at the track is unbelievable and he’s probably  the best we’ll ever see there.

One other Cheltenham memory that springs to mind is when I went to the Festival when I was 14. Watching the action live was incredible and it gave me further encouragement towards my goal of becoming a jockey, but I never thought I’d actually be riding in these big races now! It shows that anything is possible if you want it badly enough and get a bit of luck on the way!

It’s been quite a journey so far, and I’ve been fortunate to ride some really good horses.

I can remember my first festival winner on Kilbricken Storm in the 2018 Albert Bartlett was an incredible day and one I will never forget. I remember Colin Tizzard was very relaxed with me ahead of the race as Kilbricken Storm was a 33/1 shot, and he gave me the confidence to let me do what I thought was right in the race.

A big moment for Harry Cobden as he wins on Kilbricken Storm in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle pic.twitter.com/hjDMywn5dJ

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 16, 2018

Equally last year’s win on Topofthegame was amazing in the RSA Chase, beating top horses like Santini and Delta Work – both of whom have excellent chances this year in the Gold Cup. I’m very sad that he missed out this season through injury as he’s super talented and I’m very hopeful he can come back from injury even better.