Benoit de la Sayette hails 'fantastic support' after being crowned champion

New champion apprentice Benoit de la Sayette has been quick to hail the role his employers, John and Thady Gosden, played in his success over old pony circuit rival Harry Davies.

De la Sayette, who will receive his award before racing on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday, told Great British Racing: "I’m especially grateful to John and Thady Gosden, as well as the whole Clarehaven team. I have learned so much from the amazing team there.

“None of it would’ve been possible without the fantastic support I’ve received from so many owners and trainers throughout the year.

"I am thrilled to win the champion apprentice title. It’s felt like such an amazing season and I’ve really enjoyed the battle with Harry [Davies].

"I wish him all the very best for the future and hope we’re riding against each other for many years to come.”

A treble at Wolverhampton on October 1 proved to be the clincher for 19 year-old De la Sayette before which it was a see-saw battle for the title with 17-year-old Davies, who is attached to Andrew Balding.

This season saw impressive campaigns from both young jockeys but Davies conceded on Thursday after one winner at Brighton left him still six adrift of De la Sayette, who moved to 61 for the season when Running Lion landed the odds for his employers at Chelmsford on Thursday evening.

As well as the Gosdens, De la Sayette received notable backing from Kevin Philippart de Foy, David Menuisier, Ismail Mohammed and James Fanshawe.

The jockey, who rode his first winner, Hint Of Stars, in December 2020, also credited the "valuable support and advice" he received from his agent Paul Clarke.

The season started on April 30 and the jockey had resumed riding only a month before, when returning from a six-month drugs ban with a winner for George Scott.

He added: “There have been plenty of highlights, starting with Vafortino winning the Victoria Cup at Ascot in May.

"I was also lucky enough to ride a winner at the July Festival [Adjuvant] and have victories at Glorious Goodwood [Trawlerman and Caius Chorister].

"At the start of this month I rode my first-ever three-timer [Wolverhampton] and that was another day I’ll never forget."

Read these next . . .

Will it be 11 and out or can 'incredible' Baaeed's retirement party be spoiled?

Francesca Cumani is returning to Australia - and back to the tabloid frenzy

'His domination is unbelievable' - Marquand leads praise for champion Buick

The world's number 1 horse racing app just got better! Download the brand new Racing Post app for free to experience our new game-changing odds comparison, exclusive daily big-name tipping and unrivalled app-only content. Click here to download the latest version.