DOLLAR THRILL
‘It’s louder than Cheltenham and the money’s stupid’ says popular jumps jockey who’s quit Britain for USA
All expenses paid and unexpected cheques in the thousands
A GRAND National Festival-winning jumps jockey has quit Britain to make 'stupid' money in America.
Stephen Mulqueen won the 2023 Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree aboard the Lucinda Russell-trained Apple Away.
1
He also struck up a brilliant partnership with the two-time National-winning handler's other stable star, Giovinco.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
THE best bet for savvy punters.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winner's enclosure and get...
- Two free racing tickets, four times a year
- Templegate’s daily tips before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from Andrew Balding and Hayley Turner
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact [email protected]
But Mulqueen was forced to reassess his entire career after Giovinco sadly suffered a fatal injury at this year's Aintree Festival.
When the opportunity to race in America came up he grabbed it with both hands and has not looked back since.
He said the move over the other side of the pond was 'financially a no-brainer' and revealed to the how well owners look after jockeys there.
Mulqueen said: "Things were going well but Giovinco was the decision – if he was still around I wouldn’t be here.
"Unfortunately, that’s the horrible side of our game. It took that long for me to find a nice one and then he got taken away.
";The UK is brilliant and everyone wants to ride winners there, but the days can be long with driving and riding.
"I’ve got a five-year-old daughter, so we’ve come here and it’s a different way of living completely.
Most read in Horse Racing
"Financially it’s probably a no-brainer. I’m finished every morning at nine o’clock and the racing at the minute is on Wednesday and Thursdays. The money’s stupid."
Mulqueen went onto add how the owners will cover all a jockey's expenses - and they are free to choose whether they fly or drive to a meeting.
Cheltenham punter goes wild celebrating £11,000 winner from FREE bet to leave bookies reeling
At one recent meeting he also got a $2,000 (£1,500) cheque for being leading rider on the day.
Gordon Elliott and Shark Hanlon have plundered some of America's biggest prizes in recent years, targeting the American Grand National meeting in particular.
And Mulqueen said the carnival atmosphere at their jumps courses can rival even that of Cheltenham Festival.
He added: "These meetings are colossal. For instance, Nashville is technically a point-to-point track but I reckon there could be 40,000 people in the stands.
"I had a double and someone sent a video of a tight finish and, I kid you not, it was louder than Cheltenham!"
FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare –
- Gamble Aware –
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Topics