Former footballer Howarth triumphs in All-Weather Hands and Heels Series

Footballer-turned-jockey Christian Howarth found the back of the net in style by being crowned winner of the Racing Excellence All-Weather Hands and Heels series for 2021-22.

Attached to the Marco Botti stable, Howarth accrued most points over the ten-race series, which started at Lingfield in November and ended back at the Surrey track on Saturday with a 2m handicap, in which Howarth finished fourth on Black Kalanisi.

The 19-year-old finished on 54 points, six ahead of runner-up Liam Browne and 14 clear of third-placed Mark Winn.

After leaving school, Howarth had hoped to pursue a career as a footballer when at the Cambridge United academy, but decided he was too small and trained to be a jockey at the British Racing School in Newmarket, where his jockey coach is Michael Hills.

The Racing Excellence series is for jockeys who have ridden fewer than ten winners, but Howarth has rapidly progressed since taking part in the programme, with nine winners since January 1 and 15 in total.

He said: "It was a great thrill to win the All-Weather Hands and Heels series. I rode in every single one of the ten races and was always on horses who had nice chances.

"The highlight was winning on Almaan at Chelmsford in January, especially as I won on him next time as well. Thanks to connections of all the horses I rode for putting me up."

He added: "I'm working away at Marco Botti's and go into Henry Spiller's a couple of times a week to ride work as well. My plan was to beat last year's tally of six runners and I have nine on the board already, so hopefully it's onwards and upwards."

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