CHAMPION apprentice Tom Marquand, 18, will have to ride against senior jockeys on level terms after losing his right to claim any allowance when winning on Scarlet Dragon for trainer Eve Johnson Houghton and owner Henry Ponsonby at Newbury on Thursday.

The former North Cotswold Hunt Pony Club rider has made a meteoric rise in the racing game since joining Wiltshire trainer Richard Hannon little more than 18 months ago, culminating in his champion apprentice win last season with a total of 67 winners.

He is challenging for back-to-back champion apprentices' title, narrowly leading Josephine Gordon, but will now have to do without his 3lb claim.

Flat apprentices claim a 7lb allowance until they have won 20 races; 5lb until 50 victories and 3lb until they have won 95 races.

Marquand had enjoyed 92 successes in Britain and two in Australia earlier this year before his landmark triumph on Thursday evening at Newbury.

His boss Hannon said: "He has ridden the vast majority of his winners for me and has always had a very level head. He works hard and keeps his weight right..

"He has had plenty of exposure, getting himself into the runners-up spot in the BBC Young Sport Personality Of The Year.

"He had a stint riding in Australia for David Hayes in Melbourne where he managed to bag two metropolitan winners in just a short space of time.

"He is a strong rider who I predict will make the transition to a professional with the minimum of fuss."

Marquand tweeted: "Amazing to ride out my claim out at @NewburyRacing for Mr Ponsonby on Scarlet Dragon. Massive thank you to everyone who has got me this far!"