Winning the opening race of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival would be the best birthday present I have ever received.

I turn 18 years old on Tuesday and I believe I have a good chance of winning the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Mister Fisher, trained by Nicky Henderson, is my ride in a race that is always fast and furious. He may be a little bit green, but he has the ability to win.

All the rain that is forecast at the racecourse tomorrow wouldn’t be in his favour but, as it’s the first race of the meeting, the ground will be fresh and in excellent condition.

I was very pleased with Mister Fisher when I won the Grade 2 Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle on him at Haydock Park in January. Before then he won under Nico de Boinville at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. He has been showing all the right signs at home at Nicky Henderson’s yard since then.

One of Mister Fisher’s major rivals tomorrow will be stablemate Angels Breath who must have a great chance in the field of 18 and has the assistance of Nico in the saddle.

Al Dancer, from Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard and owned by Welshman Dai Walters, and JP McManus’ Fakir D’oudairies, are also in the mix and will be tough to beat.

It’s a very open race and one that I would love to win to give me my first Cheltenham Festival victory.

*James is likely to be riding at Market Rasen’s meeting on Thursday this week. He will also be on the panel of experts for the racecourse’s Randox Health Grand National preview evening on Wednesday, 3rd April. Find out more about The Aintree Preview Evening here. 

By James Bowen