West Ilsley Stables

General information

West Ilsley Stables in Berkshire is the base of Racehorse Trainer Mick Channon.

Since saddling his first runners in 1989 Mick Channon has established himself as one of the most successful in his profession and, after purchasing the historic West Ilsley Stables in 1999, he's been a regular top six finisher in the British Flat Trainers' Championship.

Mick is the first to admit that we all need a touch of luck and after only five years in the game one horse in particular provided the springboard. Piccolo achieved Group 1 success when he won the Nunthorpe Stakes at York in 1994, before going on to take the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot the following year.

The likes of the brilliant, but ill-fated Bint Allayl proved that Piccolo's exploits were no fluke and soon, Mick's Lambourn operation grew to such an extent that it was time to move on. The opportunity to move to West Ilsley was fortuitous, but again fate granted a window of opportunity and from the famous old yard Mick cemented his reputation as a talented handler of juvenile fillies. Queen's Logic, Silca's Sister, Flashy Wings, Silca Chiave, Majestic Roi, Lahaleeb and Music Show have all proved high class performers with Pattern successes to their names.

In recent years, Youmzain was the stables flagbearer, performing admirably in the World's premier middle distance events. Twice a winner at the top level, the Sinndar entire became a reknowned Group 1 performer, three times finishing runner up in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, as well as twice coming second in The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and Epsom's Coronation Cup. Youmzain was simply an inspirational horse. costing £33,000 his career earnings totalled almost £4 million.

With 100 two year olds entering the West Ilsley training ranks every year, Mick continues to unearth promising juveniles and he regularly sends out well over 100 winners per season. Indeed, Queen's Logic, Zafeen, Nahoodh and Music Show are examples of the top class horses sourced and developed at Hodcott, as is Majestic Dubawi, the Guineas hope for 2011.

Mick's website www.mickchannon.tv site has been recently updated and we hope that it's both informative and entertaining. This isn't a money making venture, that's not the point of it. If racing can become more accessible to everyone we'll all prosper, so please enjoy what's on offer and give us your feedback