![MULLINS LEAPS UP FOR MAX REWARD](https://cdn.magzter.com/1367956438/1717049048/articles/WuJzxGACN1717070503642/MULLINS-LEAPS-UP-FOR-MAX-REWARD.jpg)
The 2023-2024 National Hunt season came to an end recently and rather than looking ahead to the Derby and Royal Ascot - meetings which are both well covered within this issue of Racing Ahead I thought I would look back at the jumps action.
Domestically, the season concluded at Sandown on April 27, where Harry Cobden was crowned champion jockey for the first time - beating Sean Bowen by seven - whilst Willie Mullins was champion trainer on both sides of the Irish Sea. Mullins saddled only 28 winners in Britain during the 2023-2024 campaign, but following the victory of I Am Maximus in the Grand National, his coronation looked inevitable and he went on to saddle winners at Ffos Las, Ludlow, Perth, Ayr and Sandown in the closing weeks of the season.
A four-timer on Scottish Grand National day - including victory in the showpiece event from Ayr and a double at Sandown - again, including victory in the bet365 Gold Cupon the final day of the season epitomised his dominance and his British CV also, of course, included this year's Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup.
Back to the jockeys briefly and Patrick Wadge - who finished 23rd in the overall standings for the campaign - won the conditional jockeys' title. Based with Lucinda Russell in Kinross, Wadge rode 32 of his 37 winners for the two-time Grand National winning trainer and looks to have the talent to go a very long way.
Talking of young riders and it would be remiss of me not to touch upon the incredible ride of Joe Anderson aboard Transmission at Plumpton in early January. Having made a serious mistake at the sixth flight, Anderson was almost unseated from the Neil Mulholland-trained seven-year-old, but somehow defied gravity to retain the partnership, after which he rode without irons for a short period. Despite all of this adversity, the duo ran out 2 length winners in what really was a remarkable performance from the saddle.
This story is from the June 2024 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2024 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![HEAT IS ON](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/ORnBmLha41719405089992/HEAT-IS-ON.jpg)
HEAT IS ON
Andy Newton assesses the numbers as temperatures in York rise
![SIX IS OUT SINCE 1886](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/NEMqJtx421719404561129/SIX-IS-OUT-SINCE-1886.jpg)
SIX IS OUT SINCE 1886
Stats ace Andy Newton examines the form and trends ahead of the Sandown showcase
![ECLIPSE WAS SIRE OF ALL OUR STARS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/pSML702I91719404349242/ECLIPSE-WAS-SIRE-OF-ALL-OUR-STARS.jpg)
ECLIPSE WAS SIRE OF ALL OUR STARS
Graham Buddry recalls the legend who launched racing's generation game
![KYP DOUBLE CROWNS IT FOR AIDAN](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/UoqQLSciw1719404204570/KYP-DOUBLE-CROWNS-IT-FOR-AIDAN.jpg)
KYP DOUBLE CROWNS IT FOR AIDAN
Ballydoyle comeback star highlights Royal meeting with 'millions-to-one' Ascot Gold Cup triumph
![TEEN BILLY'S RASH BREAK](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/nK_F82MSp1719403728180/TEEN-BILLYS-RASH-BREAK.jpg)
TEEN BILLY'S RASH BREAK
lan Heitman reports on Royal Ascot young stars as 80-1 stunner springs surprise party on opening day
![POISED TO TAKE PRIDE OF PLACE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/T0nprmkYs1719403564077/POISED-TO-TAKE-PRIDE-OF-PLACE.jpg)
POISED TO TAKE PRIDE OF PLACE
Richard Eagle looks on as Epsom's home of Eclipse rebuilds for the future
![JACK'S CERTAIN ABOUT THE LAD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/ahdRCGTwp1719403431454/JACKS-CERTAIN-ABOUT-THE-LAD.jpg)
JACK'S CERTAIN ABOUT THE LAD
Ben Morgan tips up out his pick of juicy bets ready to ripen this month
![RUNNING ON EMPTY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/XMfPMy2t11719403288702/RUNNING-ON-EMPTY.jpg)
RUNNING ON EMPTY
Rolf Johnson mourns the 'lost souls' of the Downs on Derby day
![OUR SKY MAN IS FLYING THE COOP](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/2VbhiGPQh1719403135383/OUR-SKY-MAN-IS-FLYING-THE-COOP.jpg)
OUR SKY MAN IS FLYING THE COOP
Robert Cooper may be bidding farewell to Sky Sports but, never fear, will still be landing his gems in Racing Ahead
![PRINCE LETS HIS CROWN WOBBLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/ph1Tgr_Co1719402884135/PRINCE-LETS-HIS-CROWN-WOBBLE.jpg)
PRINCE LETS HIS CROWN WOBBLE
Jeremy Grayson focuses on the ups and downs of the summer jumps learning curve