Conditional jockey Oakley Brown aims to be jumping for joy after Flat switch

Conditional rider Oakley Brown believes a change of codes and a move south can be the catalyst to a successful career in the saddle after opening his account under jumps rules when Eyes Right scored an easy win in the mares' bumper at Southwell on Monday.

A promising apprentice on the Flat, Brown scored the biggest success of his career with Lucky Lucky Man for former boss Richard Fahey in the William Hill Ayr Bronze Cup in September.

However, the 17-year-old from Malton has always been conscious his height and weight would probably curtail a career on the Flat and decided to switch codes when joining Alan King's yard in Wiltshire almost three months ago.

Eyes Right, trained by King, was a first ride since his move and victory never looked in any serious doubt, with Brown using only hands and heels to register a six-length success.

"I made the decision in October to make the switch," said the winning rider. "The weight became too hard on the Flat, which was always going to happen."

A former pony racing champion, Brown has plenty of experience in the hunting field and is already looking forward to his debut over obstacles.

He added: "I'm loving it now - jumping is excellent and I'm with the best person in Mr King, who has been excellent. I've been with him just over ten weeks now and a top yard is the best place to be.

"Hopefully I'll ride over jumps sometime soon but we'll keep going how we are for now."

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