Godolphin wins All-Weather Owner Championship

David Probert was crowned All-Weather Champion Jockey for the first time following the conclusion of the All-Weather Championships today, with Michael Appleby, George Rooke, Godolphin and Intervention also winning divisional titles.

Welsh rider Probert dominated the standings from an early stage and ended the season with 82 winners, 20 clear of his nearest pursuer Hollie Doyle.

Probert said: “It was always a goal for me to have a championship since winning back in 2008 when I was champion apprentice. It’s a massive achievement and I have plenty of people to thank for that, and hopefully it rolls into a good grass season.”

Michael Appleby took the All-Weather Champion Trainer title for a fifth consecutive season, and sixth time in all, following another highly successful campaign for the Rutland handler that yielded 52 winners. 

Appleby was also responsible for the Winning Most Horse, Intervention, who recorded five wins and four placed efforts to edge out Proclaimer and Spartan Fighter.

He said: “We have a great team at home – good, dedicated staff, who have been with me a long time. They all work hard and it’s well-deserved. I have to thank all the team.”

George Rooke prevailed in a thrilling battle in the race to be crowned All-Weather Champion Apprentice, coming out on top with 18 winners, one ahead of Oliver Stammers and Rhys Clutterbuck.

Godolphin’s domination in the All-Weather Owner category continued, with 43 victories securing an eighth consecutive title for the operation.

Hugh Anderson, Godolphin Managing Director (UK and Dubai), said: “2021 was a banner year for Godolphin, and it is tremendous to begin 2022 with an eighth consecutive Owners’ Championship on the all-weather.

“The all-weather season provides horses with a great introduction to racing over the winter, enabling them to go on to bigger and better things later in the year.

“Our thanks go to the whole team at Godolphin – the trainers, jockeys, and everyone who works in the racing yards. We now look forward to an exciting season on the turf.”