Racing: Swinburn on Sayyedati

WALTER SWINBURN yesterday strengthened his position in the jockeys' hierarchy by signing a contract that allows him to ride all of Maktoum Al Maktoum's string, including those trained by Michael Stoute which this season have been partnered by Pat Eddery, and all the horses managed by the Gainsborough Stud.

That secures for Swinburn the ride on the 1,000 Guineas favourite, Sayyedati, whom he steered to success in the Cheveley Park Stakes when Michael Roberts rejected her in favour of Lyric Fantasy.

The deal was confirmed by Sheikh Maktoum's racing manager, Joe Mercer. 'Pat has been riding all the horses trained by Michael Stoute, but he will be spending more time overseas next year. That's the reason,' he said.

The contract reunites Swinburn with the trainer for whom he rode as stable jockey until 1990.