SEAN Quinlan’s career highlight to date was undoubtedly riding Takingrisks to land the 2019 Coral Scottish Grand National but I have a feeling this spring he will add more big wins to his cv.

The likeable Irish jockey steered the brilliant mare Lady Buttons to victory in the Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle at Doncaster on Saturday - the first time has partnered Phil Kirby’s horse on the racecourse. This was Lady Buttons’ 15th career win and as ever Sean was in brilliant form in the saddle although he picked up a four day ban from the stewards for crossing in front of his rivals in the final furlong. But, as frank as ever, the rider admitted afterwards: “I’ll take four days to win a race like that. She’s the best filly I’ve ever ridden.”

The mare, who is equally at home over fences as she is over hurdles, will hold a raft of entries for a host of big races at Cheltenham and Aintree in March and April but I don’t know whether Sean will retain the ride as regular jockeys Tommy Dowson and Adam Nicol were unavailable on Saturday but one of them may be back in the saddle next time out. Whether it’s on Lady Buttons or not, Sean Quinlan I am certain will be among the big winners over the next few months. He will retain the ride on Takingrisks for Nicky Richards and the horse’s target has already been declared as the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree in April. Sean could also be in line for a ride on Top Ville Ben in one of the big chases later in the year while he is also the regular pilot on the Jennie Candlish trained Cheddleton who has won three of his four racecourse starts and could be aimed at a big novice hurdle in the coming weeks. Other horses the talented jockey also rides include Zolfo who recently completed a four timer over fences and the Ian Duncan trained Strong Economy, who he rode to win at Ayr earlier in the month. One big date Sean has later in the year away from the race track is his wedding to Lizzie Butterworth, racing manager for Hambleton Racing and former amateur jockey. The couple tie the knot in Yorkshire. Staying on the subject of northern-based jockeys it looks highly now that Brian Hughes will be crowned champion jockey at the end of April. As I write this Hughesie is six winners clear of reigning champion Richard Johnson at the head of the jockeys table and the champ faces a spell on the sidelines after breaking his arm in a fall at Exeter last Tuesday. In typically modest fashion Brian is playing down his chances but even if Richard makes a remarkably quick recovery and is riding again by the beginning of March he is likely to be around 25 or more behind in the race by then with eight weeks remaining.