MARCUS TOWNEND’S TOP FIVE JOCKEYS

1= RUBY WALSH

A natural talent who often seemed at one with his mounts, at times he turned race-riding into an art form. A big race ace with a peerless racing brain.

1= SIR ANTHONY McCOY

The ultimate winning machine. No one could match his will to win and cussed determination. Strongest jump jockey to ever ride, he often lifted his mounts over the line.

3 RICHARD DUNWOODY

Tactically adept, physically strong and focused to the lengths of obsession. He gave it everything.

4 RICHARD JOHNSON

Toiled for so long in the shadow of McCoy but recently secured his fourth title and still going strong.

5 PETER SCUDAMORE

The eight-time champion jockey’s professionalism took jump jockeys to a new level.

RUBY’S SPARKLING CAREER...

Wins: 2,500+ Leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival: 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.

Big wins: Grand National x2 (Papillon 2000, Hedgehunter 2005), Gold Cup x2 (Kauto Star 2007, 2009).