Mick Channon is making good progress from the car crash that left him with various broken bones and killed his good friend Tim Corby.

But victory for Youmzain in Sunday's Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp would undoubtedly speed up the West Ilsley trainer's recovery.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager for Youmzain’s owner Jaber Abdullah, went to see the horse work on the gallops and is hoping for a big run.

“Both Youmzain and Mick Channon are in good form – the horse especially,” Raymond said.

“He worked last Sunday at Newbury when Richard Hills rode him. It wasn’t spectacular work, but he does more on the track than he does on the gallops in a morning.

“Richard often makes the running and wins, but I wouldn’t say he was a front-running jockey, I think he can ride a race from any- where.

“Obviously Sheikh Hamdan likes his horses ridden prominently, which is probably why Richard has a reputation of riding from the front, but he’s a good all-round jockey and has ridden enough big winners.

“I think he’s got a very good chance on Sunday. Obviously a bit of rain would help – but Zarkava is the one to beat.

“It would be fantastic for Mick if he were to run well and it would certainly bring a bit of colour back into his cheeks."

Channon's string continue in good health, with Eva's Request landing the Fasig-Tipton Rosemary Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The 12-1 shot produced an impressive display under Edward Creighton to record a one-length victory over Mekong Melody.

Blewbury handler Eve Johnson Houghton was also in the winner's enclosure when Judd Street cruised home in the Betfred Lester Piggott Handicap at Haydock.

The victory was a poignant one – 40 years ago Lester Piggott gained consecutive St Leger wins for Fulke Johnson Houghton – Eve's father and the horse's owner.

Neither of the Johnson Houghtons were present to collect the trophy, but jockey Stephen Carson admitted: "Everyone looks up to Lester – he's one of the game's legends."

It was Judd Street's first victory of the season. He could now have another go at a Group race.