Diminutive in size and completely unabashed, Chris Catlin is the archetypal jockey. But beneath the quiet demeanour lies a champion-in-waiting whose stature in the sport of kings is growing rapidly. KEVIN BURCHALL caught up with Barnet's young Champion Apprentice

In racing circles 2001 will be best remembered for Galileo's scintillating success in the Derby or the remarkable 22 Group 1 prizes hoovered up by the maestro of Ballydoyle Aidan O'Brien.

But leafy Barnet can be proud of its very own champion after Chris Catlin beat off fierce competition to become Britain's Champion Apprentice last November.

"Towards the end it was just a relief," Chris explained of his last gasp victory in the apprentice title race. "It was brilliant to actually get the title and things have just gone on from there."

In recording 71 winners the former Ravenscroft School pupil left a big impression on many in the racing fraternity but none more so than Mick Channon. The former Southampton and England striker is widely regarded as one of the most up-and-coming trainers in racing and he instantly snapped Chris up for this season after seeing him in action last year.

Chris recalled: "I had a couple of rides for him Channon last year and they won so he asked me to come and ride out for him in the mornings and so far I've had a few rides."

Riding out twice a week at Channon's West Ilsley stables near Lambourn, Berkshire, Chris has to rise at 3.45am but admits it is worth the effort. "I've won a couple of Listed races for Mr Channon, one of them was the Thirsk Classic Trial on Aramram, who finished third to Rock of Gibraltar at Royal Ascot. They've been the biggest wins so far for me but hopefully I can step up and get a winner in a Group race."

Despite a highest finishing position of seventh at last week's Royal meeting, Chris was far from disappointed at drawing a blank. He said: "It is such an experience to ride in front of such big crowds and you get a real buzz. I'm not too disappointed at not riding a winner as the quality of racing is so high and there are so many good horses lining up.

"I get so much good advice from the top jockeys as well. Mick Kinane and Darryll Holland are really good at giving me tips on how to improve."

Last season 20-year-old Chris, of Quinta Drive, spent his apprenticeship at Ken Ivory's stables at Harper Lodge Farm, Radlett, and despite teaming up with Channon, still rides out most mornings for Ken's son Dean, who took over the training licence this year.

With 22 winners at the time of going to press, he has set himself no specific targets. "I just want to ride as many winners as I can. If I could ride a Group winner that would be nice."

With Channon's firepower and Chris's will-to-win you wouldn't bet against it.

June 25, 2002 15:30