Grand National win for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede the dream for jockey Daryl Jacob
Jacob had five winners at cumulative odds of 3,275-1 on January 9. He won Aintree's Grand National in 2012 and hopes he will ride Bristol De Mai this year
Melissa JonesHorse Racing Journalist
Home is where the heart is for top jockey Daryl Jacob.
A stone's throw away from Wincanton, where he celebrated a 3,275-1 five-timer on Saturday, January 9, the connection runs deep.
Take a little B road out of town and you'll find the little hamlet where it all really began for the Grand National-winning jockey.
Back in 2006, late trainer Robert Alner banished Jacob's thoughts of quitting the sport for a job in the building trade.
As the winners flowed during the recent memorable weekend, his late friend and mentor was at the forefront of his mind.
"It was a very special day because Wincanton was my local track when I rode for Robert," said Jacob.
"Five winners for five different trainers, not too many jockeys have done that.
"It all came together very well."
Messire des Obeaux was one of Daryl Jacob's five winners at Wincanton (Image: Getty)
Without Alner, who tragically suffered a near-fatal car crash in 2007 and passed away last February, Jacob's sporting life could have merely revolved around playing rugby at weekends.
But given that all-important chance, he progressed in the saddle and landed the Grade 1 Lexus Chase on the trainer's horse The Listener.
It is perhaps fitting how he became associated with another bold-jumping grey, Bristol De Mai, for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
Bristol De Mai (Daryl Jacob) before the 2017 Betfair Chase (Image: Getty)
A third Betfair Chase for the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained star last November, in typical gritty fashion, had Jacob reaching for the superlatives.
"He has been a wonderful horse and brilliant for my career," he said.
"It's a tough race to win and he has been back there year after year.
"We hope he will run in the Grand National in April. I would really love to win that race for Simon and Isaac."
It's nearly nine years since Jacob's victory in the world's greatest race, when Neptune Collonges was a pixel in front of Sunnyhillboy on the print.
Neptune Collonges (left) pipped Sunnyhillboy to the post in the 2012 John Smith's Grand National (Image: Getty)
His CV of major triumphs is lengthy and at aged 37, he is a seasoned veteran of the weighing room.
Its tight-knit community was rocked this week, amid a rumoured fallout between some of colleagues.
For Jacob it is not a matter for discussion, committed with tunnel vision focus to his own game.
"I'm lucky to have one of the best jobs in the country," he said.
"At the end of the day we are fortunate to be racing, providing people with a couple of hours entertainment during strange times.
"I'm sure one day the body will tell me when it can't do it much more.
"But for the moment the fire is still burning. I want to ride good horses and have those big winners."
Daryl Jacob is 11th in the 2020/21 Jump Jockeys' Championship with 40 winners this season. For more visit greatbritishracing.com
Daryl Jacob
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