TALENTED young rider Jake Coen says he is looking forward to a new challenge after making the switch to the jumping ranks following a fruitful period on the flat.

Previously based with Joseph O’Brien, the Co Tipperary native began riding out at Gordon Elliott’s Cullentra House base on Monday and has nine winners left on his 5lb claim over jumps.

Coen, who turns 18 next month, has partnered 42 winners on the flat, the latest of which came at Naas on Wednesday aboard the Pat Murphy-trained Asisaid.His most valuable win came in the €80,000 Mallow Premier Handicap on Lord Dudley last season for the Kieran Cotter team, while he recorded a 450/1 double at the 2022 Galway Festival on La Hacienda and Star Image.

“I’ve had a good time on the flat and rode some nice winners in the space of just over a year and a half,” Coen told The Irish Field.

“Going jumping was always my plan when I was younger, though, so I’m looking forward to a new challenge. I really loved jumping when I was young. My uncles, the Slatterys, would have always had me in for schooling. I just got a taste for the flat and enjoyed it.

“Since February, my weight has been creeping up a little bit and now is the time to do what I had always planned.”

Coen, a brother of classic-winning rider Ben, will be represented over jumps by agent Garry Cribbin. The pony racing graduate rode a winner on his first ride under rules aboard Dare To Flare at Naas in 2021.

“I was always a little bit bigger than Ben so I knew this was coming,” Coen added.

“I’d like to say thanks very much to Joseph for his support since I’ve joined him. He’s been very good to me over the last year and a half and has looked after me extremely well.”