‘World’s tallest jockey’ ‘wins’ on Cheltenham debut – but all is not as it seems
THE World’s tallest jockey has been spotted on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.
Thomas Costello made his Cheltenham debut in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
The 6ft4 jockey is a giant when it comes to horse racing, with some of his competitors a foot shorter.
Costello, 22, rode Asian Master and finished fourth, but some punters thought he had won thanks to a strange hiccup.
ITV mistakenly used the ‘Asian Master’ graphic when announcing the winner – instead of Rachael Blackmore’s Slade Steel.
But it was still an impressive showing for Costello in his very first Cheltenham race, a feat which may ease his doubts about having what it takes to be a top jockey.
Costello has been vocal about the issues he has faced, particularly when it comes to keeping his weight down.
He said in an interview with The Guardian: “I question myself sometimes why I am a jockey. It’s tough – I can’t lie.
“I try to watch what I eat and do plenty of exercise to try and keep on top of my weight but it is difficult.
“Breakfast is probably a no-go. For lunch, I try to have a sandwich then have something like a pasta-based dinner, nothing too heavy. I try to drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks.
CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2024: FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE BLOG
“Chocolate and fizzy drinks are my guilty pleasures. It’s difficult not to, but I try not to snack as it doesn’t suit me at all.”
He also found it more difficult settling in as he would get a few weird looks around the stables due to his height.
He added: “When I first walked in the weighing room they looked at me like I had four heads. But once you start riding winners you soon get accepted.”