'It's massively exciting' - world's tallest jockey defies 6ft 5in height to ride professionally

The world's tallest jockey, Jack Andrews, is set to have another attempt at turning professional just weeks after the 6ft 5in rider enjoyed a landmark 200th point-to-point winner.

Andrews, who said it is a "struggle" to maintain his weight, previously pursued his boyhood dream of turning professional in 2021 before choosing to return to the point-to-point sphere. 

However, with the Tom Ellis yard, where he is heavily involved, transitioning into a force over jumps after years of dominance in points, Andrews believes the time is right to take out his professional licence. 

Jack Andrews pictured with Tom Ellis and his sister, Gina

Andrews had his final ride as an amateur at Newton Abbot on Tuesday and will be able to claim 3lb when he officially becomes a conditional this week, when he is set to partner the Ellis-trained Just A Memory at Cartmel (4.53) on Friday.

He said: "It's massively exciting. I grew up wanting to be a professional and as good a jockey as I can be. With the yard growing as well, it's a great time.

"I get asked a lot but I'm 6ft 5in, and it gets me in the headlines more than I should. I am the height I am and I've got to make the best of it; sometimes I try to use it to my advantage as I can my wrap my legs around horses and get behind them that bit more. 

"I keep my weight in a position where I can ride under rules and pointing, so that won't change. I'm usually between 10st 3lb or 10st 4lb. It's a struggle but I'm managing it well and have been for the last five years. I won't be able to ride forever so I'll give it as good a go as I can."

Jack Andrews rode Mole Court (nearest) to win at Cheltenham's October meeting in 2023Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Andrews, 27, and his ladies' point-to-point champion sister Gina have been vital in the success of the Ellis yard, but he will now increase his focus on riding winners.

He has enjoyed 54 winners as an amateur under rules, including three at Cheltenham, and has been successful for the likes of Dan Skelton and Ben Pauling, who could be sources of future opportunities.

"I'm going to have to prioritise my time to the riding side of things a bit more, getting myself across a few other yards," he added. "My full mindset will be on riding now and trying to get as many winners as I can. That's what I'll be fully focused on. I'm still going to be able to claim 3lb and I hope people can see that as quite valuable. Hopefully, that should help get some rides.

"Things in Tom Ellis's yard are moving towards National Hunt and we made a good start with 16 to 17 horses, but we're going to be up to about 25 to 30 this season. This will show our owners the intent. I'm going to ride everything I can as I can do the weight. It's exciting."

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