Jason Watson looking forward to 'unreal' new post with Charlton in 2019

Champion apprentice Jason Watson has described his appointment as stable jockey to Roger Charlton in 2019 as "unreal" having never previously ridden for the trainer.

The signing of the 18-year-old, who is attached to Andrew Balding, is being likened to that of William Buick, who left the Kingsclere trainer to become first jockey to John Gosden in 2010 in similar circumstances.

Watson, who was the easiest winner of the apprentice title since Paul Hanagan in 2002, has ridden a remarkable 110 winners this year, including a first Group 1 success on God Given in Italy in November.

Watson, who started the year as a 7lb claimer with just two wins to his name, intends to take up his new role at Beckhampton, near Marlborough in Wiltshire, in March.

Roger Charlton: 'He's very strong, stylish, determined and he has a good understanding of race tactics'Credit: Matthew Webb

He said: "It's unreal to be offered this job, which came as a huge surprise. I know how well established Mr Charlton is and it's a great opportunity which I intend to take with both hands.

"I'd had no previous contact with Mr Charlton, although I've watched his horses progress through the season. I'm very much looking forward to it."

The offer of stable jockey was made through Watson's agent Tony Hind. The rider, from Brighton, said: "My agent told me to stop by his house in Newmarket after I rode at Chelmsford last week and it was then we discussed the offer and I was over the moon.

"It's obviously a great opportunity and I can't wait to get started. I've never even been to the yard before so it's a completely fresh start for me."

As for future targets, he added: "The main target is to just ride as many winners as possible and surpass last year's total. I'll still be riding out for other people where I can and hopefully I can keep on that upward curve."

Charlton said on Tuesday: "Jason has not ridden for me yet but he'll get plenty of opportunities in the future. The season starts in March and we'll get together then and crack away."

He added on his website: "I have watched his progress with interest and I've been most impressed by what I've seen.

"He's very strong, stylish, determined and he has a good understanding of race tactics. You only have to watch the ride he gave to God Given when she won her Group 1 for Luca Cumani in Italy to realise how good he is."

Kieran Shoemark had been Charlton's principal rider in 2018, but is currently suspended after testing positive for a banned substance believed to be cocaine and is facing a ban of six months. Charlton has suggested he will stand by Shoemark, who may however be suspended well into the 2019 turf season.

Adam McNamara will continue to ride as second jockey for the yard. Charlton said: “He is part of the team here and knows the horses well. He has now ridden over a 100 winners and rode 20 per cent of our total this year.”

Paddy Power make Watson a 10-1 chance to win next season's Flat jockeys' championship. Silvestre de Sousa heads the market at 1-2, with Oisin Murphy a 9-2 shot and James Doyle bracketed with Watson at 10-1.

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