Williams and Channon split

Australian jockey Craig Williams today admitted that a 'professional disagreement' has led to his falling out with Mick Channon.

He will be relying on outside mounts in the future but hopes still to ride for the West Ilsley trainer, who gave him his first chance in this country.

Williams` second season in Britain has not been so successful as his first, during which he rode 43 winners and lifted the Dewhurst Stakes on Tobougg.

Steven Drowne, who missed most of 2000 with a broken leg, has returned to full fitness and is vying for all the best rides at Channon`s yard.

Matters reportedly came to a head when Williams decided to ride at Kempton last Sunday, rather than go to Redcar for Channon.

Explaining the situation, Williams said: 'I am a freelance anyway but now I will be taking more outside rides.

'We had a bit of a professional disagreement but if I am offered rides by Mr Channon I will take them -I rode a Listed winner at Newbury for him after this happened last Friday so we can still work together.

'It is a shame as we have had some good times and without his support I wouldn`t be back here this year.

'I would love to ride for him as his owners have always given me a lot of support and I know the horses.

'But I am trying to run a business and I had to make a professional decision about what was best for me and it didn`t go down well with Mr Channon.'

Williams will ride for James Fanshawe, Nick Littmoden and Marcus Tregoning as he bids to kick-start a slow season.

After taking a month to get off the mark for the campaign Williams has won just 21 races, and missed the winning ride on Queen`s Logic in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot through suspension.

He was also involved in a road accident leaving Newmarket racecourse in April, and he faces charges of careless or inconsiderate driving and driving without insurance.