Racing: Aga cool on return

THE AGA KHAN'S boycott of British racing is likely to remain despite reports that he may be reconsidering his position. Speculation that one of the most successful owners of the Eighties could be about to restore links, severed three years ago over the Jockey Club's controversial disqualification of Aliysa from the 1989 Oaks, heightened in Ireland at the weekend.

He hinted that the advent of the British Horseracing Board, which took over responsibility for the sport from the Jockey Club this month, could open the way for new discussions.

The Aga Khan said: 'It is not for me to make the first move, but there is a new organisation in charge of racing in England, so you never know what might happen. Give them time to settle in.'

However, his solicitor, Matthew McCloy, said yesterday: 'I am not aware of there being any change in his position but, if the matter was debated by the BHB, a new set of minds may well view the situation differently.'

The Aga Khan withdrew 90 horses from Britain in 1990 and spent two years contesting the Aliysa verdict. He maintained he would not return until drug testing and disciplinary procedures - still the province of the Jockey Club - were reformed.

BHB chief executive Tristram Ricketts said: 'We would very much welcome the Aga Khan's return to British racing but the particular matters that caused his withdrawal remain within the jurisdiction of the Jockey Club.'