At 6ft 4in (1.93 metres), Jack Andrews towers over his fellow jockeys, who tend to be at least a foot shorter. The 24-year-old, described as the world's tallest jockey, is competing for his first Cheltenham festival win this week, determined not to let his unconventional stature slow him down.
There is no height limit for jockeys, but most are considerably shorter due to weight restrictions. Andrews maintains a weight of 10 stone 4lb (65.3kg), which he described as a 'daily struggle'. Raised in a racing family in Dunchurch, Warwickshire, he started racing at about 15 or 16 when he was 5ft 10in. As he grew, his weight ballooned, forcing him to strictly manage his diet.
Andrews follows a rigid daily diet: coffee, yoghurt with fruit and granola for breakfast; a Belvita bar, banana and yoghurt pot for lunch; and a bar with protein for dinner. He allows himself a chocolate Hobnob with tea in the evenings and a weekly cheat meal, often a curry. 'It's a constant struggle,' he said. 'The only reason I do it is because I love it.'
Despite his height, Andrews believes his frame offers advantages in the saddle. 'I can wrap my legs around horses better than some people can,' he said, aiding balance and control. With 34 wins in 297 rides over five years, he hopes to be seen as a good rider rather than just a tall one. His career-best earnings were £249,950 in 2021-22.
Andrews has ridden at Cheltenham festival several times but never won, unlike his sisters. His first ride on Thursday on the 20-1 shot Anightinlambourn in the Kim Muir handicap chase did not change his luck. He will have another chance on Friday, riding Not That Fuisse at 4.10pm.
