England objective machine stop soccer then gained thousands and thousands on the horses
A former England striker has earned more from horse training than his entire football career after buying his first horse for just £440 and winning grade one races around the globe
While some former England footballers have transitioned into managerial roles or TV punditry, Mick Channon has carved out a unique post-football career in horse racing, earning more than he ever did on the pitch.
During his 12-year tenure at Southampton, Channon, who celebrates his 77th birthday today (Friday, November 28), became the club’s all-time top scorer. He also played for Manchester City, Newcastle and Norwich, and his windmill goal celebration is still one of the most memorable from the 1970s.
Channon’s skills were recognised internationally, scoring 21 goals in 46 appearances for England. However, his passion for horses was undeniable, and upon hanging up his boots, he set his sights on conquering the world of horse racing.
His journey into horse racing began when he won £100 from a £6 bet on Tintagel at the Ebor meeting in 1970 – a win so substantial that the bookies couldn’t afford to pay him in full.
Just three years later, he bought his first horse, Cathy Jane, for £440. This proved to be a savvy investment as she went on to win three races, igniting a passion within him.
Channon would often hit the racetrack with Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan, with whom he co-owned the horse Man On The Run. The pair were known to indulge in alcohol-fuelled sessions to numb the disappointment of watching their horse finish last.
“I got him along to the races. Our horse came stone last, so we got drunk on champagne,” Channon previously recalled.
When he hung up his boots in 1987, Channon found himself adrift without the daily structure of professional football until his brother, Phil, stepped in and told him to “get off his a***” and do something.
Channon ranks alongside Willie Mullins and Aidan O’Brien as one of Britain’s most celebrated horse trainers. At his peak, he had notched up more victories than the late Sir Henry Cecil and John Gosden.
By 2002, he was already earning substantial sums through his successful stable. But it was Youmzain – one of this century’s most recognisable horses – who elevated Channon’s achievements to another level entirely.
Purchased for just £33,000, the thoroughbred won nearly £4million in prize money after securing second place in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe three consecutive times between 2007 and 2009. He also claimed runner-up spots in the King George Stakes at Ascot.
Youmzain’s remarkable reliability thrust Channon into the limelight as a top-tier trainer, paving the way for further triumphs with Samitar, who secured the Irish 1000 Guineas in 2012.
Across recent seasons, he has accumulated an impressive £2.6m in prize money over a five-year period. While many recognise him for his footballing achievements with the Saints, his reputation in horse racing continues to flourish.
