Horse Racing: Hills deserts Nayef in Guineas

Richard Hills has decided to desert Nayef and ride Munir in the Sagitta 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday.

He had the choice of owner's Hamdan Al Maktoum's two candidates, Greenham Stakes winner Munir and Nayef, who was winter favourite for the Classic after two impressive victories as a juvenile.

But Nayef was a disappointing third to King's Ironbridge in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket on his return.

Hills, who has ridden both horses in all their races, said: "I've spoken to the boss and I've decided I'm going to ride Munir. Let's hope I've got the right one!

"I rode both horses last week and they both went well and are on course for the Guineas."

Munir, trained by Hills's father Barry, is quoted at 10-1 for the Guineas by Ladbrokes, having won the Greenham at Newbury earlier this month.

The Marcus Tregoning-trained Nayef is now 5-1 second favourite.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan, was not shocked by the jockey's decision.

He said: "It wasn't an easy decision for him but I'm not particularly surprised. The horse won well at Newbury, and it would have been difficult for Richard to get off him.

"Munir won his trial quite well. You couldn't really knock it though some people did. He quickened well off a steady pace which is always encouraging.

"Nayef has come on a lot for his Newmarket race but he would have to."

Willie Supple will now ride Nayef.

"I'm looking forward to it," the jockey said. "I've never ridden him before but I'll get on him some time this week and hopefully everything will go well on Saturday.

"I knew Richard was very impressed with his father's horse at Newbury but even so I'm a little bit surprised by his decision."