Former champion apprentice jockey Martin Harley has spoken of his delight at being appointed stable jockey to Marco Botti in Newmarket for next season.

Harley had been attached to Mick Channon's West Isley yard since arriving from Ireland and has enjoyed plenty of success, most notably when returning to his homeland to win the Irish 1000 Guineas last year with Samitar.

Despite a win at Royal Ascot in June with Elidor, this season has been a bit quieter, and Channon urged Harley to take the job with the Italian, whose string is growing all the time.

"I'm over the moon, to be honest," Harley told At The Races.

"When Marco first spoke to me about it 10 days ago it came as a big shock, it's something you always dream of and it came through quicker than I ever thought it would.

"He's been good to me and he's filled in a lot of gaps where Mr Channon didn't have runners, we had quite a bit of luck together in Listed races and some handicaps. It's been good so far and let's hope it continues.

"I wouldn't have been in the position to get this job if it wasn't for Mr Channon, he's given me a massive leg-up since I came to England, putting me on Group horses. It's not easy for any boss to do that but he put faith in me so I owe him a massive thank you.

"It's a one-year thing but I'm happy to take that, you never know what is around the corner and I'll take each day as it comes."