The Braceborough youngster has been appointed stable jockey for the coming campaign at the renowned Alan Dean yard.

The 13-year-old was chosen after continuing his rapid rise to prominence in the Midland Open Class Pony Racing Championships series.

His championship-winning exploits caught the attention of Dean after Chadwick saw off riders from North Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire to land the country-wide crown.

The Fitzwilliam Hunt Pony Club member will now link up with Dean who is considered to be the top pony racing trainer/owner in the country.

He has a string of well-bred racing ponies who won numerous championship races last season including the highly-competitive National Pony Racing Series Championships at Aintree.

Dean selects only three or four jockeys a season who subsequently ride in his renowned purple and green silks.

Previous jockeys have all been sons of professional racehorse trainers or have a connection in horse racing so Chadwick was overwhelmed by his selection.

He said: "I am over the moon.

"It is a great opportunity and I am really looking forward to riding some of the best horses in the country and last season's champions for the team."

Chadwick will now see an increase in his travel commitments for the coming campaign as Dean intends to have runners at racecourses spread across the country including Cheltenham, Aintree and Ascot.

In addition, Chadwick will be expected to travel to the Kent-based yard to ride at weekends and during school holidays.

His father Mark commented: "When I got a call from Alan Dean I was convinced that it was to see if I was interested in buying one of his racing ponies as it was widely known that we planned to rest Alex's current pony Crosswell Robbie next season.

"We thought long and hard as it's going to take a big commitment from Alex that he has to fit in around his school work.

"But to ride for the Alan Dean team at all, let alone at 13-years-old, is both a massive privilege and responsibility.

"Alex is more stronger and mature now and I have to let him take his chance in the famous purple and green silks."

Dean was delighted that his new protege had accepted the chance to join his team.

He said: "I need a strong squad for next season and Alex is a promising, hard-working and talented jockey who has already enjoyed plenty of success in pony racing.

"I began to take note when he hit the big time by winning the Midlands Championship this season.

"He rides very well and importantly looks after the horses.

"I have been very impressed with Alex's riding and subsequently hand-picked him as part of the team at Paddock Wood and we are delighted to have him on board."