Crowley calls it: “Tasleet has to bounce back, but he’s more than capable.”

Looking back on the season

It’s been a great year for me. Obviously last year was exceptional, winning the likes of the Juddmonte and the Coral-Eclipse and other big races. But this year has been fantastic too, with the highlight winning the Commonwealth Cup for my boss, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, at Royal Ascot.

We’ve had lots of Group race winners, and we won the Ebor with Muntahaa, and I won the Wokingham on Bacchus too.

I finished third in the Jockey’s Championship and tipped over the £3 million prize money earnings mark the other day, so I’m really happy with the way it’s gone.

I’m really enjoying riding for Sheikh Hamdan. We are always looking to improve, and we are searching for the next star, the next Taghrooda.

Battaash has been very good on some days but very disappointing on others. We have some nice young horses for next year.

I was really impressed with Jash. He is going to be a top level horse. And the boss has been bust at the Sales this week, so we are already planning for next season.

Melbourne Cup – Muntahaa

I ride Muntahaa in the Melbourne Cup. He’s over in Australia already. The Ebor has been a very good trial for the Melbourne Cup, and he won the Ebor well. He’s a Group horse and a highly talented one at that.

He’s a big strong horse who will be able to hold his own round there, and he’s got form from a mile and a half up to two miles.

I’m planning to head over early to ride at some of the meetings in the lead up to Melbourne Cup day and then also in the earlier races on the card. For a race of this calibre you really need to cover all bases.  

Saturday – Champions Day – Ascot