From the Times..
When a gifted foreign jockey forges a link with the champion trainer, racecourse gossip inevitably speculates on something more permanent. Kerrin McEvoy, however, insisted yesterday that, while he feels “very fortunate” to be riding winners for Sir Michael Stoute, he remains committed to the rival Newmarket team of Godolphin.
The Australian, starting his fourth British-based summer, took the train north to Newcastle yesterday for a single, winning ride on the Stoute-trained Dan Dare. It was his fifth success for Stoute in a season when he has yet to have a single ride for his retaining yard.
McEvoy is well aware of a spreading impression that he has jumped ship. “People keep asking me if I’ve gone to Sir Michael’s,” he said. “But I want everyone to know I’m still 100 per cent associated with Godolphin and want to do well for them. Last year was below their par and we need the two-year-olds to fly this season.
“With Ryan Moore injured and Robert Winston and Kieren Fallon not around, Mr Stoute is probably short on jockeys. Hopefully I can continue the link, but Godolphin has first call and I’m happy with that – they brought me over and I wouldn’t be riding for Sir Michael Stoute if they hadn’t.”
McEvoy, who rides Lost In Wonder for Stoute in the Cheshire Oaks when the Chester May meeting begins tomorrow, also hopes to remain aboard Adagio, well beaten when favourite for the 2,000 Guineas. “He’s probably looking for a bit further and it’s worth keeping him in mind for the Derby,” he said.
|