IN spite of his success over jumps last Sunday, leading flat jockey Pat Cosgrave doesn’t envisage himself attempting to double up until the same time next year.

The Banbridge native was competing in the Racing Personality show jumping competition which rounded off Newmarket open weekend. Drawn last to go with Kirsty’s Fella, Cosgrave pulled out all the stops to narrowly beat Hayley Turner, who was the only other rider to record a clear round.

“I never rode a winner over hurdles which is something I wish I had done,” said the 34-year-old who was champion apprentice in Ireland back in 2003 and rode 13 times over timber in three seasons.

“I did the usual pony jumping when I was young and, about three years ago, I did a good bit of hunting over here. I didn’t bother giving the horse a practice jump on Sunday, as I reckoned he’d either jump or he wouldn’t, and it was a great bit of fun.”

Cosgrave was speaking to The Irish Field on Wednesday evening as he slowly made his way home through heavy traffic from Goodwood where he had recorded his 87th victory of the season on Daphne. Owned by her breeder Queen Elizabeth, the three-year-old Duke Of Marmalade filly is trained by William Haggas, who has supplied Cosgrave with 45 of whose winners.

DELIGHTED

“I’m delighted with the way the season is going,” said Cosgrave, who has partnered single winners for 14 different trainers. “I’m very lucky to be riding for some very nice people and long may it continue.”