Mystery behind Richard Kingscote getting kicked off Desert Crown and owner's peculiar silence

SO what does owner Saeed Suhail have against jockey Richard Kingscote? None of us know.

And as you read this some bright spark will be writing on social media: "The owner pays the bills Matt. They can do what they want."

Yes they can. And just how thick would you have to be not to know that? But that's not really relevant is it? I mean it doesn't answer the question.

Saeed Suhail doesn't speak to racing fans much. Again, there is nothing to say the Dubai-based businessman should do so, or that any owner of a horse that races is required to communicate with anyone.

Other, that is, than racing is a sport that depends on fans. You see, no fans then no betting. No betting, and there's no racing.

Fans should never be treated with contempt. They should, in general, be appreciated just like those who follow horse racing will have supported Saeed Suhail for all that he has put into the game.

So what does Suhail have against Kingscote?

As many of you know, Kingscote won Suhail his second Derby with Desert Crown when he scored on the colt for the third consecutive time at Epsom in June of last year.

It was the perfect Derby ride - in the mould of Lester Piggott - as he positioned his horse with beauty and precision.

The excellent jockey was also on board Desert Crown when he suffered his first defeat in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown.

It's nigh on impossible to see what Kingscote could have done to avoid that upset, for all the Sir Michael Stoute-trained star challenged wide from off the pace. For me, at least, Hukum scored on merit.

Yet, as a result of that loss, before Royal Ascot we learnt Kingscote would be ditched for Frankie Dettori in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, although in the end the colt failed to turn up for the gig.

At the time, Bruce Raymond, Suhail's racing manager, said: "It's Frankie Dettori and he's synonymous with Ascot, which the owner understands. He said it was no reflection on Richard at all.

"I spoke to Saeed this morning and he said that if Frankie wouldn't be available in the future, which he doubts he will be, then it's Richard's ride.

"He said he'd look after Richard, but it's a one-off and, who knows, but the horse could stay in training next year and have another go at it, and Frankie won't be around then."

Hold on! Somewhere along the way wires have got crossed here. What happened to the bit about "it's Richard's ride"?!

Dettori is not available in the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot on Saturday and Kingscote has been ditched for William Buick.

The latter is British champion and no one would doubt his skills, but again that's irrelevant in this case judged on what has been said before.

So why won't Suhail tell it as it is? If he doesn't want Kingscote on his horse then give some reasons.

The jockey only rode the owner a winner at Ascot the other day! That horse was called Real Dream - this is a real nightmare.

Perhaps Suhail just wants what Sheikh Mohammed has. He had Dettori. He now has Buick as the Godolphin number one.

Straight talking is all I'm asking for. Cut the bull.

Remember to gamble responsibly

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
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