9 months ago
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AN AMATEUR jockey believed to be the tallest in the world will ride for Willie Mullins in the first race at Cheltenham Festival.
Thomas Costello has got the ride on big outsider Asian Master in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Healy Racing
Paul EdwardsAt around 25-1, victory in the Grade 1 opener looks a tall order for 6ft 4ins Costello – but he has ridden the horse to victory on his past two runs.
And the two could combine to spring an almighty shock in the curtain raiser at 1.30pm on Tuesday.
In fact, there might be more than one win at long odds that day with Costello’s fellow giant Jack Andrews having a ride too.
Andrews, who also stands a lofty 6ft 4ins, is booked to ride the hugely progressive Henry’s Friend in the National Hunt Chase.
The Ben Pauling-trained runner was all heart when upped to 3m in his most recent win at Ascot last month.
But the sky’s the limit for this novice chaser who’s won his past three on the spin.
Costello, 22, will look to kick-start any hopes of a giant killing with his ride in the first on a horse he has labelled ‘exceptional’.
He comes from a family steeped in racing history, with grandfather Tom having sourced legendary Gold Cup winner Best Mate.
Mullins also got his first champion horse Florida Pearl from Costello too.
And the family ties don’t end there, with Asian Master – who was runner-up to Brown Advisory favourite Fact To File – being owned by Thomas’ parents.
Costello has been learning from the likes of Mullins’ No1 jockey Paul Townend.
And it was Mullins who gave Costello his first win when jocking him up on Asian Master at Thurles in Ireland last December.
Speaking after the win, Costello said: “I did four years in college in Limerick Institute of Technology and wanted to give riding a shot.
“We thought this was a decent horse so we said we’d send him to Willie’s and that I’d go as well.
“I started there a few weeks ago, have picked up plenty experience and Paul, Danny Mullins and Patrick Mullins have been very good to me.
“The horse finished six lengths second to Fact To File in a point-to-point and I thought if he went back to that form he’d have a chance.
“His jumping was exceptional which helped him get where he got, and won with a lot in hand.”
Being so tall comes with its own issues, namely keeping the weight under control.
Andrews, who is brother to top jockeys Bridget and Gina Andrews, told Sun Racing about how strict his daily routine is.
He said: “I don’t know of anyone riding under rules who is taller than me.
“But I’m very self-critical and constantly trying to make myself better, especially with my riding.
“The biggest compliment anyone can give me is that I don’t look big on a horse.
“But for my diet, I have to have a daily routine to keep my weight down. Gaining weight is an issue but I keep it under control.
“I’ll have a coffee on my way to work then a yogurt, fruit and some granola for breakfast.
“Lunch is a yogurt bar and a banana, while dinner is some protein like chicken and another yogurt – I eat every meal, just not a lot.
“That being said, when I have a cheat day and go out I eat properly! I don’t pick salads, that’s for sure. I go all out.”
All that sacrifice will be worth it for a win on the biggest stage of all.
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