West Ilsley trainer Mick Channon has snapped up talented apprentice Willy Twiston-Davies to take over the role as his stable jockey for 2014.

The 19-year-old, son of jumps trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and brother of jump jockey Sam, gets his big chance after Martin Harley left Channon to join Newmarket trainer Marco Botti towards the end of the last Flat season.

The teenager, who has ridden 47 winners in Britain in 2013, has worked for Flat champion trainer Richard Hannon for the last two years since deciding to concentrate solely on a Flat career, in preference to riding over jumps.

Channon said: “We’re delighted that he’s agreed to ride for us next season.

“Like Martin when he joined us, William is a young jockey on the up and I’m looking forward to the season ahead with him riding.

“He’s a good lad with a strong family background. He’s also done time under Richard Hannon and all of that makes for a hard-working, disciplined and conscientious character, able to work with a team.

“The fact that he’s a bloody good jockey also has something to do with it.

“As ever, there’s no contractual agreement laid out – just a handshake and an understanding.

“Some of our owners already have their own jockeys and that won’t change, but William will invariably ride as first choice.

“We’ll have the usual lads riding as well with Sam Hitchcott and Charlie Bishop an invaluable part of the operation, while our apprentice, Daniel Crem-in, is improving all the time.”

Twiston-Davies rode eight winners over jumps and was triumphant on Baby Run for his father in the John Smith’s Fox Hunters’ Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree in April 2011.

He has ridden only four times for Channon, winning twice.

He was in winning action on Friday in Dubai where he was successful on Enery at Jebel Ali.

And he is about to embark on his new role when the Dubai International Carnival gets under way next month with Channon set to send out Arnold Lane, Bungleinthejungle and Chilworth Icon to run at Meydan.

Meanwhile, Channon has been enjoying more success with his select team of jumpers.

Knock House fulfilled the promise of his debut third over timber at Ascot by opening his account over hurdles at Plumpton on Monday.

The four-year-old ran on well for Dominic Elsworth to defeat the more experienced Marcilhac by three lengths in a novices’ contest over two miles and five furlongs.

Two days earlier, Channon and Elsworth teamed up to strike with Warden Hill at Doncaster.

The five-year-old got the better of a thrilling duel with Drop Out Joe in a novices’ hurdle over an extended three miles to score by half a length.