Channon scores with Samitar in ‘1000’

Mick Channon, who went all the way to the top as a soccer player with Southampton and England, cemented his place as a first-class trainer when saddling Samitar to land the Etihad Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh yesterday.

Channon’s only previous classic success was in the German 2000 Guineas (Royal Power, 2006), not in this league, and his total belief in the abilities of the daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar was totally justified.

Channon was adamant she had been ridden all wrong in her first two races this season, by Jamie Spencer and then Olivier Peslier.