Max Comley, who is 6ft 5in, had to quit race-riding due to struggles with his weight. Now he is dreaming of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival with unbeaten Manganese
A trainer too tall to make it as a jockey was thrilled when his horse fended off a new JP McManus recruit to remain unbeaten.
Max Comley pitched Manganese against Manlaga, a Nicky Henderson trainee who arrived at Doncaster with a big reputation.
The young thoroughbreds went head-to-head in the Listed Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Fillies’ Juvenile Hurdle, when the well-fancied Highland Crystal from Gordon Elliott’s stable had to be withdrawn after getting loose.
And it was Manganese, named after a horse supplement, who showed plenty of determination when challenged by her main market rival to finish three quarters of a length up.
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At 6ft 5in, Comley was too tall to make it as a jockey and he decided to go down the training route. Holding a full licence since November 2024, 2025-6 has been his season, with a career best total of 13 winners on the board and £110,000 of prize money.
He has been surprised by Manganese, who scored at Vittel for Davide Satalia and has added to her debut strike at Leicester and Catterick.
“The sky is the limit with her, I said that after she won her first race,” said Comley, who operates out of an 85-box yard in Wiltshire.
“You just wouldn’t know with her as she shows you nothing at home, but there she was going along in front on her own with her ears pricked and when the other one came to her she galloped to the line.”
Comley, who grew up in Cheltenham, rode in point-to-points for four years and he could now be going to the Festival with his stable star.
“She’s in the Triumph and she’ll also be in the mares’ novice, but we’ll enjoy today before making any decisions,” he added.
“It’s a massive day for myself, the team and the owners. We are trying to improve and get on the map and we need horses like her.”
Jockey David Bass has ridden four of Comley’s four winners this term and he told Sky Sports Racing: “I had to bring her over to get into a battle because I knew she would love it. She was very wrong at the last and she was so clever.
“A big shout out to Max – a young trainer with a great team. They do the horses so well, he has a really good yard now. He is going places.”
