David Allan eyeing greater chances with Nunthorpe heroine Winter Power

David Allan is hoping to get more opportunities on star sprinters Winter Power and Art Power next season following King Power Racing's decision to part company with Silvestre de Sousa.

As long-time stable jockey to Tim Easterby, Allan stepped in for De Sousa last term to gain a Group 3 success on Art Power and a Listed victory on Winter Power, who went on to win the Nunthorpe Stakes in breathtaking fashion under the Brazilian rider.

Last month it was revealed that De Sousa will not ride as retained jockey for the Srivaddhanaprabha family's King Power operation next season after an "amicable" decision was taken not to renew his contract after three seasons.

King Power also stated they will use the best available jockey as they have "horses with a number of trainers who have established riders connected to their yards".

That could open the door for Allan, who is a perfect three from three on Winter Power.

David Allan: riding in Qatar for the first time over the winterCredit: Edward Whitaker

Speaking from Qatar, where he is riding over the winter, Allan said: "Tim and I have had our best seasons, with Winter Power the main one for the yard, and I might get to ride her more often with the owners and Silvestre parting ways.

"I've not been beaten on her yet, but I've ridden her in races she should have been winning. We'll have to see what happens next year, but hopefully I can get a better go on her – and Art Power – and win a big one."

Allan, who has won two Group 2s but is yet to strike at the highest level, was a beneficiary of Easterby's brilliant campaign after amassing 76 winners in Britain – a figure he has reached twice before.

"It was my joint-best season and we were thinking about trying to get one more, but I was needed out in Qatar and it gives us something to try to better next season," said Allan.

"I had a good win in Ireland on Art Power and I think he has a big race in him. Cruyff Turn's victory at York's Ebor meeting was one of the races I enjoyed most and I've got a feeling he'll win a big race next year when the ground is fast."

Allan usually rides over the winter in India, where he is the most successful foreign jockey of all time, but he went to Qatar for the first time this month and is already up and running.

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"Racing in India has struggled with the Covid situation and prize-money and, although they're back racing now, I decided to have a change," he said.

"I've ridden at a few meetings so far and had three winners. I've come to work for leading trainer Jassim Ghazali and I'm based in Doha, where there's a lot of work going on for next year's World Cup.

"JP Guillambert is out here and has helped me settle in. It's a lot more relaxed than India, as with no betting here you don't get the people screaming and shouting at you."

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