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Daniel King savoured his first visit to the fabled Cheltenham winner’s enclosure and hopes to kick on over the remainder of what has already been a successful season, writes Paul Martin.

The 19-year-old from Cork steered home Hamsiyann for Tony Martin in the Paddy Power Intermediate Handicap Hurdle on Saturday, ending his meeting on a high having finished third and second earlier in the weekend.

Ruby Walsh was among the interested observers, telling ITV Racing that “I don’t think I was that confident at his age” as he analysed King’s success.

It made for surreal viewing for the teenager, who grew up idolising the man with 59 Cheltenham Festival winners to his name.

"In fairness to Daniel King I don't think I was this confident when I was his age" 👏

Ruby analyses the performance of Hamsiyann ride today at Cheltenham📝🧐#ITVRacing | @AJMartin_Racing | @CheltenhamRaces pic.twitter.com/ZpHMyHcmH1

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 16, 2024

“I’ve watched it back I don’t know how many times on Twitter, Facebook, every social media app there is,” King said.

“It’s nice when you hear people saying good things about you, it boosts your confidence, especially someone like Ruby.

“He and Davy Russell were my two favourites when I was younger, they rode loads of winners around Cheltenham and I’d watch at home thinking ‘I’d love it if that was me some day'.

“They are both very nice in person. Two weeks ago, I went with my brother to the sales and we saw Davy. He is such a sound person, we were chatting to him and he’s great for giving advice.

“They are both good role models and if I can ride half as well as they did, I would be doing well.”

King made his own Festival bow in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle earlier this year, riding Bright Legend for Denis Hogan.

A combination of that experience, added to by the feeling of returning to the winner’s enclosure at the weekend, has whetted the appetite for next March.

“It was great to even be riding there in the first place but to get a winner was extra special,” he said

“Walking down the chute after, there are so many people shouting your name, which is great.

“It’s nice to ride a winner anywhere but everyone wants to do so at Cheltenham. There was a big crowd in the parade ring, it was class. No-one likes coming second but even walking in to the second and third spots was a cool feeling.

“The Festival was class. Walking out and going by the stands, it’s what every jockey wants and where we all want to be riding.”

King grew up surrounded by horses and honed his craft on the pony racing circuit as he looked to follow in the footsteps of his eldest brother, Connor, who was Champion Apprentice in 2013 and 2015.

Connor has since gone down the training route, which led to a memorable day for the King family at their local track in Cork a fortnight ago.

“He had his first winner as a trainer with a horse called Oscars Brother, and I rode it,” he said. “It’s owned by my mother and father, so it was a family success.

“He (Connor) only has three or four at the moment but you have to start somewhere and that’s grand to start off with. Oscars Brother is a decent horse who might get his name out there.”

A treble at Ballinrobe is also among the highlights of King’s campaign so far and he is looking ahead with optimism at what could be to come.

“I’ve ridden a few nice horses for Tony Martin, so hopefully some of them might be at the big Festivals,” he said.

“I’d love to ride winners on the big stage so I want to keep my name out there, keep riding and stay injury free.

“I just love riding horses and it’s always what I have wanted to do. It’s great to be able to say I’ve lived my dream so far.”