Andrea Atzeni takes Postponed ride in King George
Wednesday 22 July 2015 19:45, UK
Andrea Atzeni is set to ride Postponed in Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Atzeni has partnered the horse in seven of his 11 career starts, including when winning the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last term.
His position as retained jockey to Qatar Racing had precluded him from riding the Luca Cumani-trained four-year-old this term, with Adam Kirby taking over in the saddle for each of his three starts, most recently when third in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.
However, Cumani has confirmed Atzeni will now be reunited with his old ally in Saturday's Group One showpiece.
He told the Guardian: "(Owner) Sheikh Mohammed Obaid has decided to give the ride to Andrea, as he won on the horse last year."
Kirby's ride in the Hardwicke attracted some strong criticism from John Gosden, who trained the runner-up Eagle Top, but when asked if the decision was a reflection of that performance, Cumani said: "I don't know, I didn't ask that."
Kirby is tentatively booked for a handful of rides at Newmarket on Saturday and his agent Nicky Adams declined to comment on the situation.
Atzeni is eager to renew his association with Postponed. He said: "I'm looking forward to it, he's a good horse. "It's well known that Golden Horn will be hard to beat. On his best form, he (Postponed) would have a good shout. "It's good to get the ride."
