Cheltenham 2015: Sam Twiston-Davies relishing pressure

Sam Twiston-Davies replaced Daryl Jacob as Paul Nicholls's number one stable jockey

Sam Twiston-Davies acknowledges he is under pressure as he bids for his first winner at the Cheltenham Festival.

Twiston-Davies will ride second-favourite The New One - trained by his father Nigel - in Tuesday's Champion Hurdle.

The 22-year-old also has chances in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the World Hurdle, before appearing on board Sam Winner in the Gold Cup.

"It's a pressure every jockey would want," he said.

"There's a lot more pressure throughout the week but it's a great position to be in.

"It's one I'm trying to grab with both hands."

Twiston-Davies is number one rider for Somerset-based Paul Nicholls, but continues to ride The New One for his father, Nigel, who trains the Grade One winner.

Nicholls, for whom Twiston-Davies will ride for in Friday's Gold Cup, has been impressed with how his number one jockey has dealt with the pressure.

"He's very laid back and he's got his dad who keeps his feet on the ground, as I do as well," said Nicholls.

"He's naturally a talented professional and I think it's more about the individual, you've either got it or you haven't.

"He's certainly got what it takes to make it as a top-class professional sportsman."

Champion jockey AP McCoy, appearing in his final Cheltenham Festival before retiring, has also tipped Twiston-Davies for glory.

"He's got a lot of the attributes I think you need to be champion jockey," said McCoy.

"The most important attribute is he's riding for Paul Nicholls and I think that's a big plus for any jockey."