Channon op a 'success'

Trainer Mick Channon is to remain in hospital until next week following a successful operation last night.

The former England and Southampton footballer is being treated for serious injuries sustained in a car crash on Wednesday afternoon, in which his long-time friend, bloodstock agent and racehorse owner Tim Corby, died.

Channon, 59, has broken ribs, a broken arm, a fractured jaw and a punctured lung.

“It was an operation to wire his jaw and he remains in intensive care,” said a spokesman at Channon’s West Ilsley stables.

“The operation was a success and he is in good spirits – but he is desperate to get out of hospital.”

Channon was on his way home to Berkshire from a day at Doncaster Sales with Corby and his 15-year-old son, Jack.

The incident took place on a stretch of the M1 motorway at junction 24, near Kegworth in Leicestershire.

Corby died when the silver Mercedes he was driving left the motorway and hit a concrete pillar.

Channon and his youngest son were taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham by air ambulance.

Jack Channon was left “battered and bruised” but was not seriously injured.