'It's the right thing to do' - Stott splits with Ryan as jockey goes freelance

Kevin Stott will bid for the all-weather jockeys' championship this winter after announcing he has parted ways with his long-term employer Kevin Ryan.

The 28-year-old chose to go freelance following a "mutual agreement" with the Thirsk-based trainer, who supplied Stott with his first Group 1 victory on Hello Youmzain in the 2020 Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

Stott rode 227 winners for Ryan during his tenure as stable jockey, but will now target the all-weather title in his first winter racing in Britain.