DERBY hero Richard Kingscote admits he might not get to ride Desert Crown again.
The runaway Epsom winner is trained by Sir Michael Stoute who employs Ryan Moore as his number one jockey.
Stoute lifted a sixth Derby while it was a first Epsom Classic for Kingscote
Kingscote is a freelance rider and gets second pick on Stoute’s horses when Moore is needed by his other gaffer Aidan O’Brien who has first dibs on Moore.
Desert Crown’s next race is yet to be decided, but if O’Brien is without a runner in the race then Moore would be first in line to jump on board.
That’s despite Kingscote riding and winning on Desert Crown on all three of his outings so far.
The chances of O’Brien having a runner in each of the Irish Derby, King George or Coral Eclipse are fairly high – but if not, then Stoute, 76, and Desert Crown’s owner Saeed Suhail would have a big call on their hands.
Speaking before Epsom, Kingscote told Sun Racing: “The way things work with Sir Michael is that he’s under no obligation to use me. If Ryan Moore wasn’t needed by Coolmore then he would be riding Desert Crown.”
Kingscote, 35, confirmed that was still the case after Epsom when he appeared on Luck On Sunday to discuss his brilliant maiden Derby win.
He said: “Sir Michael is under no obligation to use me, they are Ryan’s rides until he can’t ride them.
“So I’m just fortunate that I get second pick. They’re Ryan’s rides unless he has his obligation with Aidan.
“I would have no expectation [to ride him next time] and that’s how I work. I think it’s the best way as expectation is a killer.
“I’ve had one big day out of him but I still don’t see them as my rides. I’m very grateful for the ones I do get, but as I said, Mr Stoute is under no obligation to use me.”
Kingscote continued his red-hot form on Sunday as he rode a double from two rides at Goodwood.
He partnered the Turpinator to win for Tom Ward and favourite Flag Flying for Roger and Harry Charlton.
He said: ” I’ve been trying to get some sleep but that hasn’t go too well!”
