'World’s tallest jockey’ to meet his rival in Cheltenham battle of the giants

06 March 2024 , 15:02

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Jack Andrews: towering rider could meet a rival who is his equal at Cheltenham (Image: Tim Merry / Daily Mirror)

The title of ‘world's tallest jockey’ could be settled on the racecourse at Cheltenham next week when two giants of the saddle are set to meet.

The mantle has belonged to 6ft 4ins Jack Andrews since he arrived on the jumps scene eight seasons ago. He is due to ride the Ben Pauling-trained Henry’s Friend in the Maureen Mullins National Hunt Chase, the last race on Tuesday, the first day of the biggest jumps meeting of the year.

Yet on the same day Thomas Costello, who is also 6ft 4ins, could make his Cheltenham Festival debut if the Willie Mullins-trained Asian Master takes his chance in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

“I will probably have to stand next to him next week to see who is taller,” said Andrews, who is 25. Andrews comes from a family of successful jockeys. Both his sisters Bridget, who is married to Harry Skelton, and Gina, with whom he works at Tom Ellis’s point-to-point yard, have ridden Cheltenham Festival winners but not him.

“I’ve not had a winner yet,” said Andrews. “I came close when I was second in the Martin Pipe a couple of years ago but my sisters have got one up on me. They make sure I remember every year.”

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Thomas Costello on his parents' horse Asian Master (RACINGFOTOS.COM)

The 22-year-old Costello is equally steeped in the sport. His grandfather Tom sourced the superstar jumpers Best Mate, One Man and Imperial Call. Asian Master is owned by his parents and is unbeaten under the 7lb claiming amateur in both starts with Mullins.

“I’m not sure yet what race he is going for but I am going let the horse do the talking,” said Costello. Asian Master is a 20-1 chance for the Supreme and 25-1 for the Gallaghers Novices’ Hurdle on Wednesday.

Henry’s Friend has won his last three starts and 12-1 for the 3m6f chase and Andrews, who will ride him for the first time, hopes his stature will be to the horse’s advantage.

“I’d like to think that by being tall you are able to ride with a good length of leg and wrap your legs round horses,” he said. “I always think it’s easier to gather one up and keep them balanced. Henry’s Friend has a chance. He seems to be improving all the time.”

Jon Lees