'He's an inspiration' - Pritchard Webb backed by McCoy for charity cycle event

Bloodstock agent and Sky Sports Racing analyst Jacob Pritchard Webb will lead a 140-mile cycle event from Cheltenham racecourse to Newmarket's July course to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and the Matt Hampson Foundation.

Pritchard Webb is hoping to raise £25,000 for each of the charities which have supported him since he suffered life-changing neck and spinal injuries in a fall at Auteuil in June 2020.

Just two years on from that the 25-year-old, who also works as online auction house Auctav's British and Irish representative, will lead the Cross Counties Cycling Challenge from Thursday, July 7 to Saturday, July 9.

"I started at the beginning of March with Auctav and my role is to develop the brand in the UK and Ireland," he said. "We are targeting the right horses for the market and that is reflected in the results; Diamond Carl won the Grade 3 Prix ;a Perichole last month having been sold for €210,000 by Ecurie Nicolle. It's definitely a joy to be part of it."

He has also found himself working on Auctav's hugely successful Arabian sale, a new experience for the former National Hunt jockey.

Pritchard Webb has been training for the marathon handcycle ride while getting to grips with his new role and completed preparations for the charity trek at the IJF's Oaksey House. He will be joined on the journey by some well-known names from the racing industry, including the IJF's president.

“AP McCoy is doing the first day, which is brilliant," he said. "He’s been a good friend ever since I returned from France. He came to see me of his own accord and had a chat with me and we’ve been friends since.

"I’ve spent lots of time with him and he’s been very good and supportive of everything, and he said he’d do this for me too."

Also setting off from Cheltenham with McCoy is one of Pritchard Webb's broadcasting colleagues, and he will be joined by another along the way.

“AP is doing the first day along with Luke Harvey, which is fantastic," said Pritchard Webb. "I have a lot to thank Luke for because he helped me get the job at Sky Sports and it’s great he can join me on the cycle ride as well. Sean Boyce is going to meet us on the second day and do that with me."

Others who are cycling part of the way with Pritchard Webb include Hugh Nugent, Tabitha Worsley and Katie Margarson, while Charlie Morlock, assistant trainer to Nicky Henderson, is doing the entire 140 miles with him.

Charlie Poste will also be on the cycle event and Pritchard Webb has developed a successful professional relationship with Poste and his wife Francesca, working the Goffs UK Spring Store Sale with them and he made his first successful purchase when buying a point-to-pointer for an owner-rider who won on his second start.

Jacob Pritchard Webb in action during his riding days

In the two years since the fall Pritchard Webb has not only launched his careers in the media and as a bloodstock agent, he has also discovered a talent for table tennis and has his sights set on representing his nation at the Paralympics.

He reflected on the dramatic changes his life has undergone in such a short period of time, saying: "It’s kind of bizarre how quickly it’s gone. It feels like it was a lot longer ago that it happened.

"I suppose I’ve kept myself so busy that it’s just flown by. I didn’t expect to be doing something like this so soon after the accident, but I think it’s quite a good advert really for people who have spinal cord injuries."

His fundraising goal for the Cross Counties Cycle is augmented by his desire to help others who have suffered similarly life-changing injuries.

“It’s great to be able to show that it’s not the end of the world and life can be good, because I can tell you now that when you’re sat in hospital you think these things," he said. "Money aside, I hope it just raises awareness for the charities and also inspires people.”

McCoy admits that cycling is not one of his favourite pastimes but he is taking to the saddle once more in support of his friend, and expressed his admiration for Pritchard Webb's strength and determination.

"I’m not really into biking if I’m being perfectly honest, and I did a 100-mile cycle two or three weeks ago and I haven’t looked at the bike since I did that!" he said.

“What I did notice during the cycle was how tough it is for the lads on the handcycles. You see signs that say ’70 miles to go’ and you feel tired and then watching those guys do that makes you think, ‘I have little to complain about’. It’s phenomenal and it’s all I kept thinking about."

The former 20-time champion jockey paid tribute to Pritchard Webb's optimism and positivity in the face of adversity.

“He's an inspiration," he said. "He’s a young, good-looking lad who had his whole life in front of him before suffering those life-changing injuries but his attitude to it has just been fantastic.

"I really admire him and he has a great outlook on life because it can’t be easy. We all have down days, but in the grand scheme of things we don’t."

If you would like to support the Cross Counties Cycling Challenge you can do so here.

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