Aspiring jockey Harry Davies 'gutted' at missing out on dream move to Balding

A 15-year-old schoolboy whose dream offer to join Andrew Balding has been withdrawn by the trainer due to controversial new rules on apprentice pay said he was “really, really gutted” at the outcome.

Harry Davies, a prolific pony race winner who harbours hopes of becoming champion jockey, said he was still coming to terms with the ending of an eight-year dream to join Balding’s yard, where some of the finest riding talent of the past two decades has been nurtured.

Davies, who turned 15 this week, received the birthday present he least wanted when informed of the news by his mother Angie, assistant trainer to Hugo Palmer, and stepfather Phil Shea at his home at Palmer's yard in Newmarket at the weekend.