Holland to depart

Darryll Holland's job as retained jockey to Mark Johnston's stable is to end at the conclusion of the current season. Holland signed a two- year contract with the Middleham trainer last December but things have not worked out as the jockey had hoped.

The 23-year-old has not enjoyed the pick of the rides, with several plum mounts, including Ascot Gold Cup winner Double Trigger, going to Jason Weaver and other jockeys. Holland has now taken up an offer to ride in Hong Kong in November and will not return until June 1996.

Paul Castle, agent for Holland, said yesterday: "He will continue with his retainer until November but will ride as a freelance next season.''

It is the third time in three years that Johnston has lost a regular jockey, following Dean McKeown in 1993 and Jason Weaver last year.

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