PAUL FRANCIS - File

PAUL 'COUNTRY' Francis, who partnered MUCHO GUSTO to third place in the Jamaica Derby, is no longer contracted to ride horses for top trainer Anthony Nunes.

Nunes was on Monday quoted in the Gleaner's Racing Along, saying Francis' contract was not in danger of being terminated.

However, by late Tuesday afternoon, that all changed.

"We came to a mutual agreement," Nunes told Racing Along.

"We both agreed it was not necessary to have a contract but if he is available, he'll certainly ride horses in my barn," Nunes added, pointing out that Francis is booked to ride two-year-old THE REAL FURY and LADY INDIRA on tomorrow's 13-race card.

Francis accepted the high-profile job to partner Nunes' horses and in particular those owned by Barbadian owner Elias Haloute, following two-time champion Brian Harding's decision to return to Trinidad and Tobago after landing back-to-back championships at Caymanas Park last season.

However, Francis has so far this year partnered just six of Nunes' 18 winners. In addition, he has been under constant fire from racing enthusiasts since partnering MUCHO GUSTO in the Derby, opting to keep his mount off the pace while THE BOMBER won unchallenged.

Nunes yesterday claimed none of those factors led to the split.

Contracted rider

"At this time, it's not feasible for us to have a contracted rider based on what we think is the lack of talent in our stable," said the trainer, who had on Monday named Trinidadian champion jockey Harding to partner Derby third-placed MUCHO GUSTO in the St. Leger.

Although Francis has only been booked to ride two horses for Nunes this Saturday, the trainer has runners in four other races.

However, he insists the relationship between his barn and the rider has not been severed.

"I wouldn't call it a severing," he said.

"Severing makes it sounds like there is a problem. If there were a problem I wouldn't have him riding on Saturday.

"It's just that for a long time I know we've not been as talented with horses and I don't think it's feasible to ask Mr. Haloute to pay one man to ride at the stable.

"It's not like we are loaded with horses," Nunes added.

BOOKED TO RIDE

Apprentice Javour Simpson and Trevor Simpson have been booked to ride the bulk of Nunes' horses but the trainer insisted neither replaced Francis.

"I will have no first-call rider," he said. "I will try to get the best possible rider for each horse. Certain horses like certain styles of riding and I will try getting those riders. If not, the next best will work," he said.

Nunes believes the split will do Francis more good than harm as he leads a tight jockeys' title race by one win.

"He will certainly still be getting rides from me, if he is available, plus freelancing also helps him because he is riding for the championship.

"This frees him up as he would have had to ride my horse whether it was his first or second choice in a race," Nunes pointed out.