David Probert: massive shame if youngsters are denied the education I had

Former champion apprentice David Probert believes it is "a massive shame" his old boss Andrew Balding will stop taking on apprentices due to the new BHA rules on pay.

Probert, who shared the title with fellow Balding apprentice William Buick in 2008, has nothing but praise for the education he received and the manner in which his finances were looked after during his time at Kingsclere, which has long been a hotbed for aspiring riding talent, a fact underlined by the list of 35 jockeys Balding has referenced who had their first ride for the stable.

Kingsclere was Probert's first choice when he finished at racing school and he has never regretted it. He has ridden well over 1,000 winners since and achieved a new career best of 108 winners at Kempton last week.