American ace to ride in Britain

Leading American jump jockey Gus Brown is set to ride in Britain before the new season starts in the States on March 9, the Thoroughbredtimes website reports.

Brown, 28, has ridden 99 winners in his career and landed the National Steeplechase Association champion jockey title in 2000 and 2001, finishing just one adrift of David Bentley in last season’s championship race.

“We have talked to most of the top trainers over there, and there has been a lot of interest,” Brown, 28, told www.thoroughbredtimes.com.

“I’m excited about it. There isn’t much going on here, and we have enough contacts to give it a try.”

Brown’s mounts have earned over $2.4m (€2.2m) and in 2001 he set the single-season earnings mark with $815,000 (€753,000) in winnings.

Former jockey Sean Clancy will act as Brown’s agent and is looking forward to the experience.

“We’re both ready for the trip,” Clancy said. “If Gus can have a little success it will say a lot about American steeplechasing. He’s a good enough jockey to do well there.”