The All-Weather Champion Trainer title looks set to go down to the wire, with Mick Appleby, Tony Carroll and Charlie Johnston all in contention heading into the final day of the season.
Perennial champion Appleby has topped the leaderboard since early February but the excellent form of Carroll and Johnston has prevented the Rutland handler from closing out his eighth title.
Carroll cut Appleby’s lead to one at Southwell on Thursday evening to set up a thrilling climax, with Johnston not discounted as he saddles 11 runners across the three Good Friday fixtures.
Wins
Mick Appleby – 43
Tony Carroll – 42
Charlie Johnston – 39
Mick Appleby runners (12)
1.53 Newcastle – Howth
2.25 Newcastle – Daring Legend, G’Day Mate
2.40 Lingfield Park – Baldomero
3.00 Newcastle – Smiling Sunflower
3.25 Chelmsford – At Liberty
3.35 Newcastle – Billyjoh, Juan Les Pins
3.50 Lingfield Park – Intervention
4.00 Chelmsford – August
4.10 Newcastle – Penzance
4.40 Newcastle – Zealot
Tony Carroll runners (5)
2.15 Chelmsford – Boom The Groom, Recon Mission
4.25 Lingfield Park – Cinque Verde
5.00 Lingfield Park – Milliethemollie, Hearitfortheboys
Charlie Johnston runners (10)
1.30 Lingfield Park – Sax Appeal, Suffrajet
1.40 Chelmsford – Anthropologist
2.05 Lingfield Park – Wadacre Gomez
3.15 Lingfield Park – Pons Aelius, Tenerife Sunshine
3.25 Chelmsford – Fox Flame
4.40 Newcastle – Dear My Friend
5.10 Chelmsford – Alpen Power, Etretat
Elsewhere, Rossa Ryan will be crowned All-Weather Champion Jockey for the first time following a sensational campaign.
The 23-year-old has a strong book of rides at Newcastle as he looks to end the season in style, including market leader Sommelier in the BetMGM All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Handicap.
Ryan’s closest challenger Billy Loughnane will claim back-to-back All-Weather Champion Apprentice titles, becoming the second two-time winner after George Rooke in 2020 and 2022.
Loughnane, who was also Champion Apprentice on turf in 2023, is in action at Chelmsford, where his six rides include leading fancy Deceiver in the bet365 6 Horses Challenge Handicap.
Godolphin will secure the All-Weather Champion Owner accolade for the 10th consecutive season, with the Dubai-based operation represented at Newcastle by leading fancies Silent Age and Cover Up.
