Nigel Twiston-Davies and Paddy Brennan have been a team for four years
PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)Brennan ends time as Twiston-Davies jockey
PADDY BRENNAN'S four-year stint as stable jockey to Nigel Twiston-Davies came to a sudden end on Thursday, with the rider's decision to step down and turn freelance being met with surprise by the trainer.
Both are adamant there has been no falling out, but Brennan made reference to "blood being thicker than water" as he cited the opportunities handed to the trainer's son Sam as a big factor in his decision to leave his job. Twiston-Davies said in response that hehad never championed or pushed his 18-year-old son, the champion conditional-elect whose stock has risen greatly this season.
Brennan, 29, who will retain the ride on Twiston-Davies's 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander, said: "Nigel and I have had an amazing four years together and the relationship we had was truly brilliant over the last few seasons and I hope that will continue to flourish as Nigel will still have a big call on me when I'm riding as a freelance."
Asked to explain the reasoning behind his move, Brennan said: "Sam Twiston- Davies is up and coming and he is Nigel's son and that is the bottom line, as blood is thicker than water."
Sam Twiston-Davies: stock on rise
PICTURE: Mark CranhamHe added: "I would like to thank Nigel and all the staff at the yard for their support over the years. All the owners at the yard have been fantastic to me and I hope toride for them again in the future."
Twiston-Davies confirmed last night he would continue to use Brennan's services, although he admitted the rider's decision had caught him on the hop when contacted by the Racing Post.
"It has all come as a bit of a surprise," he said. "We had a nice chat this morning and as far as I was concerned nothing had changed. I didn't realise he was going to make this decision, but that isfine. Paddy will remain a big part of our plans."
The spokesman for the owners of Imperial Commander, Ian Robinson, was resolute in saying last night Brennan is the jockey they want.
"Paddy will remain Imperial's jockey until he decides otherwise," he said. "He has a fantastic relationship with the horse - they believe in one another."
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