Josephine Gordon looks set to be crowned Stobart Champion Apprentice, having ridden 48 winners since the Championship kicked off on Saturday, April 30th, putting her four winners clear of her nearest rival and last year’s Stobart Champion Apprentice Tom Marquand.

Although there are still six days left of racing until the Stobart Champion Apprentice draws to a close on Saturday 15th October, Tom Marquand will today switch on to a full professional Flat licence meaning that any winners ridden in the remaining days will not count towards his Champion Apprentice total. This has given Josephine a virtually unassailable lead, with third place Adam McNamara 10 winners behind.

Gordon said of her Stobart Champion Apprentice victory: “It’s a dream come true really. I’ve tried not to think about too much, and just keep my head down and carry on riding winners. The support I’ve had this season has been amazing, from all the trainers that have given me rides, to my family, my agent Phil Shea and everyone else who has helped me through my career. I’m looking forward to celebrating on Saturday after what has been a brilliant season.

Gordon has had a reversal in fortunes this year, having had to wait 18 months between her first and second winners, but 66 winners to date in 2016 and rides for some renowned trainers including Sir Michael Stoute, Hugo Palmer and three-times Champion Jockey Richard Hughes have catapulted her into a status as one of the most in-demand apprentice jockeys on the circuit.