'We hope he can take the step up into Group company in the Mill Reef - and that would allow us to dream of the Dewhurst'

Few succession plans in racing have gone as smoothly as Mick Channon passing on the West Ilsley baton to son Jack, who notched his first half-century of winners in Britain last weekend – and the new man at the helm thinks he has found a two-year-old who could now take him to the next level.

Channon was talking to the Racing Post for a major interview in Sunday's newspaper in which he discusses his fascinating relationship with his father, the need to adapt to a changing world and managing to overcome impostor syndrome now he finds himself in the hotseat.

Channon made a strong start last year when sending out 49 winners in Britain but felt particular pressure this season, the first in which he didn't have a team of horses left by Mick, the former England footballer who made the bold move into training racehorses and went on to send out multiple top-level winners in his prime.

"People often say you've got three or four years to make your mark, otherwise you're history," he said, "so I felt this year, my first not off the back of one of Dad's seasons, it was important to kick on and improve again. We went up to about 80 horses, and I wanted to be competing in the stakes races this year and that's completely down to the quality of animal you have. As we stand we're well on track, with a few Listed races and a Group 3, but I'd like a couple of big ones to finish."

Jack Channon (right) pictured with his father MickCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

A Group 2 win could come Channon's way as soon as Saturday when Sarab Star runs in the Mill Reef Stakes (3.15), but regardless of what happens at Newbury the trainer hopes the excitement won't end there with the Salisbury winner.

"We hope he can take the step up into Group company, starting in the Mill Reef, which would then allow us to dream of the Dewhurst," he said. “He's a lot better than he showed when he won narrowly at Salisbury on his debut and we're hoping he's the kind of quality we're looking for to start taking us back up the ladder again."

Certain Lad, Gather Ye Rosebuds and Desperate Hero are others who will have Group 1 aims before the end of the year and Channon added: "They're 16-1 and 20-1 shots, but they're not no-hopers and you hope one of them can take that step up to the big time.

"You have to use a certain amount of logic but sometimes you have to be brave and take a punt. A lot of Dad's big winners he'd never have had if he hadn't been brave enough to have a go. I don't want to be silly but sometimes you have to have a swing at it."

Read more from Jack Channon in The Big Read, available in Sunday's newspaper or online for Members' Club Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday. Click here to sign up.

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