Seb flattered by title talk
(skysports.co.uk Thursday 29th March 2004)
Seb Sanders says that he is flattered reigning champion Kieren Fallon singled him out as a leading challenger to his jockeys' title.
Sanders is bolstered by the fact that he will take over as Sir Mark Prescott's number one jockey this term, but still says it will be a tough task to overhaul Fallon.
"I finished sixth behind Kieren last season with 101 winners overall and I obviously hope to better that, but I still have a long way to go," said Sanders.
"Kieren rode more than double that last season.
"It is a nice bit of publicity and obviously it is a great compliment to think that he respects me like that, but it is going to be very difficult.
"I finished third in the championship two years ago but at no stage did I think I would beat him.
"I knew that by September or October my ammunition would start to run low - you need to be riding for stables that are going to have maiden winners and the stables I ride for don't have maiden winners at that time of year.
"Winning the title would be great. It is not the be all and end all, but it would be a feather in your cap. Winning anything means an awful lot to anybody."
After a disappointing season last term, Sanders is looking for more success this time out, especially after taking over from veteran George Duffield as Prescott's number one.
"It is a great honour to be the number one," added Sanders.
"Sir Mark and George have been a partnership for what seems like several thousand years.
"Heath House is a well-run stable and I am absolutely delighted to have finally got there. I'm hardly filling George's shoes - his are about three sizes smaller than mine.
"George is still going to ride a fair bit for Sir Mark and the change is going to be straightforward, no different to when I was riding as a second jockey."
Sanders could also partner a fair few horses for John Dunlop after riding several winners for the Arundel Castle handler last term.
"I don't know what is going to happen with Mr Dunlop," said Sanders.
"I rode a nice few winners and some nice horses for him last season. I just hope they haven't lost my number and that they give me a call this season.
"Mr Dunlop has no retained jockey and he uses the best available. Hopefully that might be me on occasions."
With the likes of Ed Dunlop, Amanda Perrett and Rae Guest also on good terms with Sanders, he could have a strong hand this year, but believes Daryll Holland will be Fallon's main challenger.
"I think Daryll (Holland) will be the main challenger to Kieren.
"He rides for a lot of different people and stables that are going to give him winners, and he rides some nice horses too.
"Daryll will be the next best thing to Kieren - but I'll be doing my best."