Jack Andrews is set to write his name in the record books when he makes his Cheltenham Festival debut in the National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup on the third day of action at Prestbury Park.
Andrews, 24, stands at a huge 6ft 4in and is the clear outlier in a field of jockeys whose average height is just 5ft 2in.
When he takes to the racecourse on Anightinlambourn on the third day of racing at the Festival, Andrews will become the tallest jockey to ever race at the historic Cheltenham Festival. He is also the tallest ever professional jockey in the history of horse racing.
Including amateur racing, only Welshman Patrick Sankey is taller than Andrews, standing at 6ft 7in. By comparison, the smallest jockey in horse racing history is Kenneth Glover, who was just 4ft tall when he competed aged 15.
Jockeys are typically small as it reduces the weight on the horse, hence maximising the potential speed it can carry. Therefore, Andrews is at a severe disadvantage to his peers, but he has managed to reach the pinnacle of jump racing in spite of the difficulties he faces thanks to his height.
Andrews’ ride at the festival, Anightinlambourn, won at the home of jump racing back in November 2022, while he also finished second at the racecourse three weeks prior.
Stumpton is currently the favourite with the bookies to win the National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup, while Andrews and Anightinlambourn are at 16/1.
