Haynes loses starter's job for National

Jockeys were reported to be unhappy with Haynes after last year's Cheltenham Festival and Aintree meetings with some claiming to have lost confidence in the former jockey/trainer.

At Cheltenham there were a couple of false starts, while there were several attempts to make the 40 runners line up before the Grand National went off, leading to a delay of eight minutes and, it is understood, complaints from senior riders.

Haynes blamed the jockeys' failure to obey his instructions for the chaotic scenes which were screened to millions around the world watching the big race.

The Regulatory Committee met earlier this week to hear the report which will propose that Sean McDonald, a former conditional rider, should take over as starter for the big steeplechase.

Paul Struthers, the BHA's public relations manager, said: 'We will be putting out an announcement in the next couple of days.'

Meanwhile, Richard Hughes, the Flat jockey who vowed to father-in-law Richard Hannon that he would no longer ride over hurdles, has broken his pledge soas he can partner Blue Bajan in Saturday's totesport Trophy at Newbury.

The Andy Turnell-trained gelding is one of the leading contenders for the valuable handicap and the trainer said: 'I think his style of riding will really suit our horse.'

However, another of the leading fancies, Mon Michel, will miss the race after failing to please trainer Gary Moore in his preparation.

Kieren Fallon, banned from riding until August 2009 after testing positive to cocaine for a second time, will ride work for his former boss Sir Michael Stoute in Newmarket this year.

Fallon, who left the Stoute job to take up the role of stable jockey for Aidan O'Brien three years ago, said: 'I've received quite a few offers to train or to look after some horses, but I've been thinking about it in the last week and just didn't think that I was ready for that yet. Riding is the only thing I know.'