Well sometimes. STD wouldn't have a job if he wasn't STD and would never have got the Ditcheat job if his surname had been Smith. DS would never have a job if his brother didn't train, and would have nowhere near as many winners as he does if his brother didn't have so many horses.
Hughes is very good post race- from personal experience and friends who have used him.
Russell ditto and he is very tactically aware.
Sheehan went greatly down in my estimation over the case and having met him had liked him a lot, but using a race to make a point is not on, and he was out of order in his comments.
I think Bryony is a fabulous horseperson, I wouldn't worry if she was a on horse of mine/one I fancied. Francome was majestic as a horseman and a great jockey. McCoy was a great jockey, not so much a horseman.
Johnson I agree was overrated. Maybe connections did him a favour in early career.
Jacob a good horseman I think too. As was Aspell, perhaps not a great jockey.
Geraghty I loved in all ways.
Walsh I didn't trust- not that he was a bad jockey but just always thought something could go wrong. He was extremely lucky to have some fabulous horses to ride in his career. Years before he retired someone in racing told me had had lost his nerve and was struggling. Lot of high profile falls around that time, but he couldn't afford to give up. ( Issues off course apparently)
I don't rate Cobden and wonder if he's another one that Nicholls get them young boss them around line?
I initially didn't like De Bonville but not really sure why but have warmed to him last couple of years, think he's a tremendous horseman and this may make up for the 'bit' he lacks perhaps as a jockey, but that doesn't stop him being very good.
Different jocks for different horses definitely I really think applies.
Young and up coming I would nominate Caollin Quinn from Warren Greatrex' yard. Really nice lad, grafter, very good hands. Maybe needs to build up his upper body strength but that can come. Been very patient and deserves a proper go.
Also hope Conor O'Farrell gets some wider support as very dear to my heart as he looked after my BBB absolutely to the nth degree, and deserves all success after having had to put with me.
