Barnet's champion apprentice jockey Chris Catlin rode the biggest winner of his career so far when he won the Group 3 Scottish Classic at Ayr on Monday.

The 19-year-old, of Quinta Drive, riding the Mick Channon-trained Imperial Dancer, comfortably won the four-runner contest by a length to scoop the £45,000 event. It was the 32nd winner of a highly promising first professional campaign.

Catlin said: "I hope I can keep the ride as it would be nice to ride a Group 1 winner this season but my next goal is to ride 50 winners."

The former Ravenscroft pupil was snapped up by former England footballer Channon after a string of fine performances in the saddle last year, riding 71 winners to become champion apprentice.

July 17, 2002 19:00