Mick Channon | Racingfotos.com
Mick Channon, who began coaching in 1989, will retire at the end of 2022, he announced Saturday. The former soccer player will hand his coaching job to his son Jack. Now 73, Channon has carried over 2,500 Flat winners in the UK and his Group 1 winners include Piccolo (GB) (Warning {GB}), Zafeen (Fr) (Zafonic), Tobougg (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}) and Queen’s Logic (Ire) (Grand Lodge).
Channon said, “The license will be given to Jack from the beginning of next year. It has been a wonderful way of life for over 30 years and I cannot thank everyone who has helped us. I couldn’t go there without them.
“I started with 10 horses in Lambourn, where we had a great time, and Jack was born there. We’ve got some good horses and good people working for us.
“When I arrived I was a footballer entering the horrible world of horse racing, but we thought that if we bought some sharp 2-year-olds we would have a chance to make it through. Everyone does that now, but we have Gill Richardson, who is very good at the sale and has bought us many beautiful horses. I have to thank her and Gill Hedley, who still runs the show, and also Peter Tain and Patrick Trant.
“We bought a lot of cheap horses for Jaber Abdullah such as Queen’s Logic, Flashy Wings (GB) (Zafonic) and Music Show (Ire) (Noverre), as well as Zafeen who came second in the competition. [G1 2000] Guineas and win [G1] St James’s Palace S. Jaber was brilliant. “
Channon also came very close to winning the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe three times alongside the unlucky Youmzain (Ire) (Sinndar {Ire}) (2007-2009).
“Youmzain was a very good old horse who, according to French law, should have been awarded the first Arc in the race won by Dylan Thomas (Ire) (Danehill),” reflected Channon. “That was the only time there I didn’t see the outcome around the intervention that happened. But he went on to win [G1] Grand Prix de Paris and finished second in three Arcs on the track. “
He added, “I wish Jack well, he has supported me so much over the seven seasons and the time is right for him to take over. But I will still be around, helping in terms of livestock, not in the wilderness.”
Jack Channon said: “Dad is going to be more integral than ever and the most important part of my team. He’ll still do what he likes best and if anything he’ll enjoy it more.
“I spent one year with Graham Motion in the US and another year with John O’Shea in Australia. And time with Clive Brittain.
“The plan is to start with about 60 [head]. Certain Lads (GB) (Clodovil {Ire}) is a very good old horse and will have winners Lincoln and Cambridgeshire John (GB) (Zoffany {Ire}) and Majestic (Ire) (Conduit {Ire}) as well as some very cute 3 year olds like Rathgar (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Moush (GB) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) and today’s runner Caernarfon (GB) (Cityscape {GB}).
“All the owners are amazed to be on the side of Dad and I and I am so lucky to have all of their continued support to make the training a success. I’m incredibly lucky to start in a place like West Ilsley, which has so much heritage, despite the best gallop in the world. “
Not a subscriber? Click here to subscribe to PDF or daily alerts.
This story was posted in Europe, News shared in Europe, Europe’s Top News and tagged Flashing Wings (GB), Jaber Abdullah, Jack Channon, Mick Channon, Music Program (Ire), retirement, Youmzain (Ire), Zafeen (Fr).
