Sheehan rides 1,000th career winner

The leading rider has enjoyed plenty of big-race success over the years, notably claiming his first Grade One and Cheltenham Festival success aboard the Warren Greatrex-trained Cole Harden in the 2015 World Hurdle.

Sheehan steered Shark Hanlon’s bargain-buy Hewick to a memorable triumph in the King George VI Chase at Kempton three years ago and has claimed further top-level victories aboard the likes of Arzal (Manifesto Novices’ Chase, Aintree), One Track Mind (Champion Stayers Hurdle, Punchestown), Itchy Feet (Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase, Sandown) and Johnny’s Jury, who won the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival last season.

Fresh from a winner at Uttoxeter on Saturday, Sheehan was second on his first ride of the afternoon at Sandown and then partnered Rialannah Oddschecker Mares’ Handicap Hurdle, with the 6-1 shot pulling four and a half lengths clear of the chasing pack.

Of his milestone winner, Sheehan told Racing TV: “It’s a big number to get, I’m very proud. I’ve got four winners in Ireland, one in Sweden and 995 here – it’s a big achievement.

“I’ve enjoyed my career all the way through and winners are what everybody strives for. From the Donkey derbies to pony racing, the whole way it’s been very special.

“There is the odd time where I have to remind myself why we do the job because we spend so much time inside a car and things like that, but you need to remind yourself go out enjoy it.

“This is my job and I do this to make a living. For the owners, the trainers, the staff and everybody it is a job, but it is a brilliant sport and it’s brought me a lot of success. I’ve been very lucky.”

While Sheehan admits life as a jockey has its challenges, he has plenty more he wants to achieve.

He added: “I always think Noel Fehily had his best years in his last eight years, so hopefully I’ve got a bit more time yet. I feel like I’m getting better and I’ll enjoy it and go for the next 1,000.”