‘The only way is up’

Jockeys to watch

DANNY MCMENAMIN

THERE has always been a great tradition of jump jockeys coming out of Northern Ireland; Richard Dunwoody, AP McCoy, Tony Dobbin and Brian Hughes to name but four. From Down Patrick and with no background in the sport, Danny McMenamin’s interest in horses was piqued by neighbours with pointers.

One thing led to another, and in 2017 he rang Tony Dobbin, from the same area, asking if he had a job for him. He didn’t but he rang Nicky Richards and, having never ridden in a race, Danny arrived in Cumbria. Now 21, his ascent has been swift. He had a few rides as an amateur one season. One of his first winners as a 7lb-claimer was Nietzsche for Brian Ellison in the 2018 Greatwood Hurdle. Last season, with the impetus of having won the Old Roan Chase on Nuts Well, he was