IF Freddie Tylicki turns out half as well as some of his predecessors who’ve crossed the pond then there’s a lot still to come from the newly-crowned champion apprentice.

The Malton rider has followed the example of Kieren Fallon and Frankie Dettori in spending a spell in the United States to hone his already prodigious riding skills.

Last week, the 23-year-old German-born rider, who signalled his arrival on the big stage when winning the John Smith’s Cup at York Racecourse on Flying Clarets in July 2008, won the junior jockeys’ title.

In a hard-fought battle which went right down to the wire, Tylicki held off David Probert by a single victory – 68 winners to 67.

Now, as you read this, Richard Fahey’s talented rookie is in California, where he is spending the winter months riding track work for top American trainer Paddy Gallagher.

Tylicki dedicated his champion apprentice victory to fellow apprentices Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson, who were tragically killed in a Malton flat fire which stunned everyone in the racing world.

And the rider, who donated his trophy to Kyne’s family, said it felt like the “right thing” to win it in their memory.

“It hasn’t sunk it yet,” Tylicki said.

“Everything goes so quickly but I am absolutely delighted to win it for the North.

“With it named after Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson, it was an honour to win it for them. It has felt like the right thing.

“I had 68 winners – I have had 71 now – and to ride that many winners is a big thing for any apprentice, but to win the championship as well is a bonus.

“I hope we (Tylicki and David Probert) gave the public a nice race for their money.

“It went down to the second last day of the Flat season. David was suspended for the Saturday. It was touch and go for a while.”

Tylicki’s spell with Gallagher is all about improving.

He reckons the emphasis on learning to ride against the clock has given the likes of Dettori an advantage back in Britain and, with his apprentice claim now cast off, he is looking for any edge in the next phase of his career as a fully-fledged rider.

“I will try and improve over the winter – starting in California,” Tylicki added.

“I am fully fledged now and I have got to take it by the scruff of the neck. Mr Gallagher is top dog over there. I have never been to America and it will be a great experience.

“Training is very, very different and I will take on board whatever I can.

“It’s what a lot of top jockeys have done. Kieren Fallon and Frankie Dettori have been over there and it brought them an awful lot of experience.

“It’s about learning to ride to the clock. That’s how they train them – running a specific distance at a specific time.

“Hopefully, I can’t go wrong and it will be a great experience.”

Tylicki will also benefit from a link-up with Nottinghamshire trainer Jeremy Glover next season, but is keen to point out his first loyalties lie with current boss Fahey.

“I will be first choice there when I am available,” he said. “But I am fully committed to Mr Fahey and he will have first choice on my services.

“I will be riding for Mr Fahey and for Mr Glover as opportunities arise.

“Mr Fahey is the man that got me going last year. He has made me champion apprentice.

“Without the help of Mr Fahey I would not be right here now. I have to thank him an awful lot and I am hoping our partnership will go from strength to strength.”

Tylicki continued: “I need to pay thanks to everyone – the owners and my agent, Richard Hale. He has provided me with some great contacts, nice rides and talented horses. It’s been a great year.”


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