Racing: Tory split is agreed by Bailey

THE FIVE-YEAR partnership between the Lambourn trainer Kim Bailey and his stable jockey, Anthony Tory, broke up yesterday.

Tory had ridden for Bailey in two spells, during which their biggest success together came with Docklands Express in the 1991 Whitbread Gold Cup. But a virus in Bailey's yard, together with unsuitably soft ground for many of his horses, has seen limited success for the pair this season. They have 'mutually agreed' to part.

A statement issued by Bailey announced the end of the 'informal arrangement under which Tory rode most of the yard's horses. It was felt that the change would give both parties more freedom of choice.' Bailey stressed that he would continue to use Tory on a freelance basis, and does not intend to appoint another stable jockey before the end of the season.

Tory, 26, admitted to frustration at recent results. He has partnered just 11 winners, half the stable's total this term, and had limited chances of obtaining outside rides. 'The horses have not been running well for three or four months now. Most of the yard has been ill, and the ground has been against us. As Kim doesn't like making up his mind about where his horses run until the last minute, it's been difficult to try for outside rides. Hopefully it will be easier now I'm freelance. I'm looking for an agent.'

Of his chances of retaining the rides on Docklands Express and the stable's other leading chaser, Kings Fountain, Tory said: 'If I'm asked to ride them, I'm not going to turn them down - but I suspect the rides will go elsewhere. Mark Perrett, for instance, has always ridden Docklands Express when I've been unable to and may take over again.'

Bailey's sole runner today, Mabthul at Fakenham, will be partnered by Jamie Railton.

Yesterday's racing failed to clarify plans for Cheltenham, but at least gave one Festival aspirant an enjoyable workout and provided another with the opportunity to redeem her reputation.

The unbeaten novice Satin Lover breezed to a sixth successive win at Sandown Park and may go for the Champion Hurdle if his owner, Douglas Hall, has his way. He is also entered in the Supreme Novice Hurdle but Nigel Tinkler, his trainer, favours the less demanding County Hurdle.

Satin Lover remains 33-1 for the Champion with William Hill and Corals, but Her Honour is now 16- 1 from 25-1 with Corals and 20-1 from 33-1 with Ladbrokes for the Triumph Hurdle after re-establishing her credentials with an emphatic Taunton win.

'That was just as expected,' Pipe said. 'I thought that at 4-6 she was the bet of the century.'

Totally unexpected was the success of Stylus, at 150-1, in a novice hurdle at Leicester. It is the longest-priced winner in Britain since the 250-1 chance Equinoctial won at Kelso in November 1990.

It was the first outing over jumps for the gelding, a half-brother to In The Groove, and a first success for his rider, Robert Massey.