Jockey Davy Russell is being strongly linked with succeeding Tony McCoy as JP McManus' retained rider.
However McManus’ racing manager, Frank Berry, insisted in the Racing Post that discussions about who will take over from McCoy will not begin until the 20-time UK champion jockey retires on Saturday.
Russell, who was originally 33-1 for the post is 11-10 now joint favourite alongside Barry Geraghty with bookmakers Paddy Power for the job.
Former Irish champion jockey Russell lost his riding role with Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud operation in early 2014, but recovered from that blow to land the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Lord Windermere for Jim Culloty.
Corkman Russell also won twice at this year's Cheltenham Festival, partnering Windsor Park to land the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle for Dermot Weld and steering Rivage D'Or to Cross Country victory.
McCoy’s last day in the saddle is on Saturday at Sandown Park, when he will partner McManus’ Mr Mole in the bet365 AP McCoy Celebration Chase.
It’s also possible he could ride the McManus-owned four-year-old Box Office in the final race on the Sandown card.
