Culloty to take freelance role

Jim Culloty will not ride as stable jockey to Henrietta Knight next season although he will continue his partnership with triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate.

The 32-year-old has been on the sidelines since hurting his arm in a fall at Cheltenham last month and is expected to operate as a freelance in the future.

Miss Knight’s husband and assistant Terry Biddlecombe said: “We won’t be using a stable jockey next eason. We don’t want to stand in Jim’s way if he wants to take more rides.

“He will still ride Best Mate and I think Jim will be happy – it was something he suggested.”