Wednesday 5 August 2015 09:51, UK
Nicky Henderson has confirmed he will not be appointing a replacement for Barry Geraghty, who bowed out as stable jockey to take up a role as retained rider for owner JP McManus in June.
The Seven Barrows handler plans to split the majority of stable rides between David Bass, Nico de Boinville and Andrew Tinkler.
Geraghty will remain part of the team and ride the McManus-owned horses, while Daryl Jacob is the retained rider for owner Simon Munir, who counts the likes of Triumph Hurdle winner Peace And Co amongst his runners.
Henderson told The Times: "I know there has been a lot of talk, and the bookies have had their fun, but I've had no thought, at any stage, of bringing in someone new.
"I've spoken to all the owners and they know the plan.
"Whoever was available would not be as good as what we have here already. In the past, these boys were such a help to Barry, doing a lot of the essential work at home.
"They are seriously good jockeys, all three of them rode Festival winners last season and I have 100 per cent confidence in them.
"Nico has huge talent and he's now won a Gold Cup (on Coneygree), David is one of the bravest I've known and you couldn't find a more solid professional than Andrew, who has been here a long time. I've spoken to all three of them and they know they can expect plenty of opportunities.
"Barry will still be around at weekends and will obviously ride the horses we have for J P but it will not necessarily be the case that he gets on our top horses when available. Our belief is that certain riders get on well with certain horses.
"There's no such thing as a first jockey here now."
