Gallagher sacked by Johnson
The turnover of stable jockeys at Johnson’s County Durham base has raised eyebrows in the past, with Graham Lee, Paddy Brennan and Denis O’Regan all losing the position since 2006, but in this instance agent Richard Hale has also dropped Co Kildare-born Gallagher from his books.
Gallagher, whose claim dropped to 3lb following 26 winners last season, and who has eight already on the board this term, enjoyed a purple patch that attracted plenty of plaudits in the spring when landing the Red Rum Handicap Chase with Silk Drum on his first ride at Aintree, where he completed a double for Johnson on Prince De Beauchene.
However, problems including unexplained absences from work and time-keeping issues have since tested the patience of both his employer and his agent to breaking point.
Johnson said of Gallagher: “He's a very talented lad but Richard and I couldn’t handle him
“He’s good when he’s riding, but when he’s wrong he’s wrong. It’s a shame because I love the kid. He has ridden some good races for me, but not coming into work for five days without any explanation isn’t acceptable. I told him on Thursday that we couldn’t go on any longer.”
Johnson, depending on the outcome of the BHA disciplinary inquiry he faces later this month, does not intend to appoint another stable jockey.
He added: “If Paul got himself together I would be happy to put him up again, and people were queuing up to use him after his Aintree winners.”
Hale said: “I have no intention of representing someone as unprofessional as he is.”
Gallagher was unavailable for comment.
