The world’s tallest jockey, Jack Andrews, makes his Cheltenham Festival debut on Thursday – all 6ft 4in of him.
The 24-year-old is over a foot taller than the average rider and faces a constant battle to stay at the correct weight.
Already tipped as a long shot, he will be easy to spot in the parade ring before the Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase. And his horse, Anightinlambourn, stands a decent chance in the race – even with its lanky rider.
Jack, of Dunchurch, Warks, will be competing against 5ft 7in sister Gina, who rides Slipway in the final race of the day.
Jack said: “When I first started riding at 15 or 16 I was tall but not as tall as now. I was 5ft 10in when I had my first ride.
“When I got to 17, I shot up again and got quite tall. I grew up thinking I’d be a professional rider. When I had that growth spurt, it was a kick in the teeth but I felt I could still ride as an amateur. The big one I want to tick off the bucket list is to ride a Festival winner. It would be brilliant.”
Jack’s height means he must follow a strict diet to stay within weight, saying: “Every hour of the day I think about my weight, 365 days a year.”
But he added: “I’m partial to a chocolate Hobnob in the evening. That is my daily treat.”
