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Llewellyn Joins Pitman

Carl Llewellyn has announced that he is to become assistant trainer and jockey to Mark Pitman.

The 40-year-old is still keen to renew his long and fruitful partnership with Nigel Twiston Davies, for whom he has ridden a Grand National winner, but admitted that he is starting to look at the next phase of his career.

'Although I rode 70 winners last season at my stage of life I need to look to the future and I was offered a very good package to be assistant trainer and jockey,' he told the Racing Post.

'I´m looking forward to the challenge, and also looking forward to getting to know the team and owners.

'However, I´ll continue my association with Nigel, who has 70 horses this season - in terms of quality and potential, they´re better than ever.'

Pitman added: 'This was a natural appointment for us. Carl has an outstanding reputation, and having sat next to him in the weighing room before I switched to training, I know we can get on.'

On a sadder note for the Weathercock House team, it was also announced that Monsignor, the brilliant winner of the 2000 Royal & SunAlliance Novices´ Hurdle, has finally been retired.

The chestnut had been battling with injuries and had not raced since his electric display at Cheltenham that day, but will remain with Pitman as a lead horse.

? PA Sport