Mullen links up with Fretwell

Multi-millionaire owner John Fretwell has appointed Richard Mullen as his principal jockey next season.

Mullen, 29, takes over from Graham Gibbons, while leading apprentice Phillip Makin will replace Robbie Fitzpatrick as Fretwell’s secondary rider.

“We had a great time employing Graham and Robbie Fitzpatrick in our first season, but I wanted Graham to be able to ride everything and as he has other stables, I thought it best not to stand in his way,” said the Mansfield-born owner.

Fretwell, the majority of whose near 50-horse string are stabled with Eoghan O’Neill at Averham Park near Newark, has enjoyed a profitable year with the highlight being Silent Times’ dead-heat victory in the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.

Although Jamie Spencer will keep the mount of Silent Times whenever possible, Fretwell is hoping for a long and fruitful partnership with his new jockey, who is currently based with David Baron in North Yorkshire.

“I shall continue to give Graham opportunities but I felt Richard Mullen is at a stage in his career where he needs his confidence building up,” Fretwell told the Racing Post.

“He’s a married lad with a couple of children and can give us the commitment to come here and ride work twice a week.

“My feeling was that he wasn’t getting the breaks he deserves.”