Channon has the balls to land Gatwick gamble

Mick Channon sums up his approach to Gatwick's Derby bid in typically simple terms.

"If you don't have the balls you won't win anything," said the man who lies behind one of the most romantic stories associated with the famous Epsom Classic in recent years.

Gatwick cost just 10,000 guineas as a yearling and is owned by a diverse dozen racing enthusiasts led by Henry Ponsonby and also including Sir Alex Ferguson and an Ealing council official.

Judged on purchase price and pedigree, he ought to be plying his trade in ordinary handicaps as opposed to the world's premier Classic.

But Channon is no ordinary trainer. And Gatwick is no ordinary horse after earning his place in the Epsom line-up by coming from way off the pace to land two valuable handicaps at Goodwood and Haydock.

"The Derby is a completely different ball game to any handicap, but this colt has an attitude to die for and is the sort who will always pick up and find more when you ask him," said Channon.

"He's earned his place all right, and if he stays the longer trip there's no reason why he shouldn't finish in the first six."

Gatwick will have to do that in order to recoup the £75,000 it cost to supplement him, but Ponsonby reports that Fergie didn't hesitate to aim high.