Cheltenham Chat: Wigan goalkeeper Jamie Jones talks the Festival

JJ: Annie Power fluffing it at the last fence when the whole country apart from me had it for thousands!

A few lads in the squad had the four-fold on the day’s favourites and to see it fall will always stick with me!

CN: Looking ahead to this year’s Festival, how do you pick your horse?

JJ: I tend to look at the past form and conditions of its previous win.

CN: And have you got a hot tip for us?

JJ: I haven’t, but ask the old chairman David Sharpe, he’s come in with a few lovely winners!

Even his own horse, Chosen Mate, who runs in Wigan colours, is one to look out for! It recently won a Grade 2 race and is destined for the top.

CN: Is there anyone among the squad who thinks themselves as a bit of a tipster?

JJ: Callum McManaman certainly knows what he’s talking about!

Not long ago after a training session we went to Starbucks and he had a lovely treble on the nose that came in. I backed all the same horses individually so was made up winning three in the spin.

CN: Who do you fancy for the Gold Cup?

JJ: I wouldn’t say it’s a hot tip but I fancy Native River to do the double! His fight last year with Might Bite was amazing and I can see him having a go again this time around.

CN: What do you enjoy most about racing?

JJ: Having the horse you’ve backed in with a chance of winning with a few furlongs to go! Shouting it home is the best feeling. Even if it doesn’t always win, you want it there or thereabouts.

CN: Finally, who do you reckon has it tougher? Footballers or jockeys?

JJ: Jockeys – but only just. The pressure of having to win races to get paid is a lot in itself, plus the fact they are risking everything on each and every race.

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