the ludicrous decision to sack kevin stott.

​Back in the day, an age well before Aidan O’Brien was born, back when owner/breeders ruled the roost, the Lords, Ladies and aristocrats who bred horses with the speed to not only win the Epsom Derby but also the stamina to succeed in the Ascot Gold Cup, jockeys were considered no better than servants and addressed by their surnames by trainers, owners and stewards. The riding fee was small back then and top jockeys only accumulated wealth for their old age through their percentage of prize-money (and presents from grateful owners) from winning the big races. The famous jockeys, those whose names adorn the trophy boards to this day, if they were wise, became truly wealthy through being retained by the major owners of the day. They were still referred to by their surnames but the likes of Harry Carr and Gordon Richards were highly respected and keenly sought-after when a new retained jockey was required. Back in the pre-Piggott era, jockeys would be informed that their contracts would not be renewed by personal letter or they might be summoned to the palatial home of the owner in question. Different times and different means of communication.
I doubt if Kia of Amo – I will not attempt his surname as I will doubtless manage to find many ways to misspell – ever referred to his latest ex-retained jockey by his surname. But respect goes deeper than referring to someone by their first name. Sacking someone by text-message is disrespectful, no matter how smooth the platitudes of gratitude. To Kia’s shame, Kevin Stott displayed greater common grace in his press release than was achieved in his text of dismissal. A fact Kia should consider as the respect the racing public has for him plummets. People like me will think Amo undeserving of the success his organisation crave.
I have reviewed the Irish Champion Stakes and cannot see what Stott could have done differently to achieve a better result. I have already criticised the non-O’Brien jockeys for giving the O’Brien horses the run of the race and in that respect, I agree that your jockey could have done better. Yet as with Nashwa, who raced behind King of Steel and finished with greater aplomb, the normal way to ride your horse is to come from off the pace. In the Derby, it might be argued, Stott, due to circumstances, found himself in front too far out and was mowed down in the final few yards. That day, King of Steel proved himself over 12-furlongs. Perhaps that is the distance he should stay at, even if not winning a Group 1 over 10-furlongs will make him less fashionable as a sire.
I only know Stott from what I’ve seen of him this past flat season. He is certainly a very good jockey and comes across in interviews as pleasant and well-spoken. It will come as a surprise if he doesn’t continue to forge a name for himself in the sport and blossom as Amo’s previous contracted jockey Rossa Ryan has done. I’m sure Kevin Stott will keep his nose to the grindstone, honing his skills, and that a good offer will come his way sooner or later.
When Rossa Ryan and Amo went their separate ways, Ryan almost seemed relieved it was over, as if Amo were far from a pleasure to ride for. Perhaps Kevin Stott, too, feels relieved to be unshackled from an unpleasant, if profitable, episode in his life.

On this day, 12/09/23, in 1843, the St. Leger was worth £3,070, 4s & 6d to the winner.
In 1877, Fred Archer won his first St. Leger on Silvio, the Epsom Derby winner.
1n 1900, Diamond Jubilee completed the Triple Crown for the Prince of Wales by winning the St. Leger.
In 1991, Champion Hurdler Morley Street came close to winning the Doncaster Cup, beaten in a driving finish by Great Marquess.