Mick Kinane backs 'unbelievable' Ben Curtis for jockeys' title after double

This year could be a big one for Ben Curtis, who recorded a double on Headingley and Portelet Bay, and seems set to be in the mix for champion jockey honours – something legendary former rider Mick Kinane insisted he was capable of earning.

Curtis, who shared the champion apprentice crown in Ireland in 2010 with Joseph O'Brien and Gary Carroll, moved to Britain three years later and has established himself as one of the sport's most prolific operators.

He is Paddy Power's 4-1 joint-third favourite to become champion jockey this season and Kinane, who crossed paths with the 31-year-old at John Oxx's yard, is not surprised by the progress.

A 13-time title winner in Ireland and arguably his nation's greatest ever Flat rider, Kinane said: "I didn't really pay much attention to him until he started to come and ride work for John and I was impressed by his work ethic – he has an unbelievable work ethic.

"He's a good judge of horses and pace too."

Mick Kinane: three-time Derby wining rider is a big fan of Ben CurtisCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Headingley is trained by Mark Johnston, who has one of the biggest strings in Britain, crucial firepower Curtis has access to this term.

"Ben spoke to me about moving to Britain and I thought it was a good idea for him to go because he wasn't afraid of work; I thought he'd do well," Kinane added.

"Trainers have seen plenty of him now and are definitely warming to him, so you can see why he's breaking through.

"He has a big chance of the title and isn't afraid to travel – he's going to be hard enough to beat."

Curtis's 92 winners last term was enough for fifth in behind Oisin Murphy, with this year's title race running from May 1 to October 16.

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