2 minutes Two jockeys, each standing at an impressive 223cm (6ft 4in), are set to share space at the upcoming Cheltenham festival on Tuesday.
In the UK's racecourse weighing rooms, towering figures are a rarity. But two jockeys, each standing at an impressive 223cm (6ft 4in), are set to share space at the upcoming Cheltenham festival on Tuesday.
Jack Andrews, a 25-year-old from Warwickshire, gained attention as the world's tallest jockey at last year's festival, only to meet his match this week in Thomas Costello, hailing from County Clare, Ireland.
Though the duo won't compete against each other on the festival's opening day, they may agree to a light-hearted comparison to see who stands taller.
For Costello, 22, the challenges of being a tall jockey are manifold. He confesses, "Sometimes I wonder why I chose this path. It's no easy feat. Keeping my weight in check demands constant vigilance with my diet and exercise, but it's a battle."
Costello's dietary regimen is strict, with lunch often consisting of just a sandwich and dinner featuring pasta—nothing too burdensome. He emphasises hydration and steering clear of sugary beverages, admitting:
"Chocolate and soda are my weaknesses. It's tough to resist snacking, but it just doesn't work for me."
Despite towering over most competitors by four or five inches, Costello doubts his racing career will be long-lived due to his stature.
"I'm focusing on a business degree as well, understanding that my height might limit my time in racing. I'm determined to make the most of it while I can, knowing each day is a gift and weight might eventually become an issue."
Initially, Costello's presence in the weighing room turned heads, but success has since earned him acceptance. Now training with the esteemed Willie Mullins in Closutton, County Carlow, Ireland, Costello rides Asian Master, a family-owned horse. Despite not being the tallest, Asian Master's robust build compensates, making it a formidable mount.
Andrews, on the other hand, has adapted his riding technique to his tall frame, striving to appear "neat and tidy" on horseback, particularly over fences. He takes pride in not looking overly tall while riding and remains unfazed by the prospect of no longer being the tallest jockey, eager to see how he measures up to Costello.
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