100-1 to 16-1: apprentice champ Jason Watson's odds slashed for jockeys' crown

Jason Watson has been cut to 16-1 (from 100) by Coral for the 2019 Stobart champion jockeys' title, which this year's champion apprentice has bold ambitions of winning.

Ladbrokes also cut him to 16 on Monday (from 33), while easing reigning champion Silvestre de Sousa – who hopes to concentrate on quality over quantity next year – to 1-2 (from 4-9).

Watson told the Racing Post on Sunday of his determination to give the title a crack next year, fuelled by the backing of kingmaker agent Tony Hind.

Coral's David Stevens said: “We may have been rather dismissive of Jason Watson’s title claims next year with an opening quote of 100-1, and punters certainly thought those odds were too big and forced them down to 40-1, then 25-1, and now 16-1, meaning we’ll definitely be watching his progress with great interest next summer.”

Jason Watson in the spotlight after winning the Stewards' Cup on Gifted MasterCredit: Mark Cranham

Ladbrokes' Nicola McGeady said: “The comments from both Jason Watson and Silvestre de Sousa have led to a shake-up in the betting for next year’s Flat jockeys' championship. Watson has been really popular among our shop punters today, so we’ve been forced to slash his odds again, while easing De Sousa’s.”

Jason Watson stats

2019 Stobart Flat Jockeys’ Championship
Coral 4-9 Silvestre de Sousa, 4 Oisin Murphy, 9 Jim Crowley, 10 James Doyle, 16 Danny Tudhope, Jason Watson, 20 Andrea Atzeni, 25 William Buick, 33 bar.

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