Callan retainer ends with Varian

Roger Varian has revealed Neil Callan will no longer be retained as his stable jockey for the forthcoming Flat season.

The pair have built up a good relationship over the past couple of seasons, but the Kremlin House trainer has decided he no longer needs a retained rider. He told www.varianstable.com: “Neil Callan will no longer ride as first jockey for me this year.

“However, he will continue to ride for the stable if and when he is available on a freelance basis. I would like to thank Neil for his dedication and hard work over the last two seasons.

“I have enjoyed working with him and we have had a number of good days, most notably his win aboard Eton Forever in last year’s Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot – my first winner at the Royal meeting.

“As a trainer I would like a little more flexibility when it comes to jockey bookings.

“It might be that a ’best available’ policy is followed at times. Andrea Atzeni will continue to be given opportunities but also on a freelance basis.