After five years as first jockey to the powerful Aidan O'Brien stable, Michael Kinane is relishing the prospect of a new challenge in 2004.
Last month Jamie Spencer was appointed the new number one at Ballydoyle with Kinane taking over from Johnny Murtagh, who has decided to go freelance, as retained jockey to John Oxx's Curragh yard.
Speaking in Hong Kong ahead of Sunday's International Meeting, Kinane said: "I'm really looking forward to working for John next year. It's a new experience and a new partnership.
"He has a lot of unexposed colts. He's quite happy with them and we've plenty to work with. I think it's going to be interesting.
"After riding here I'll take a break and possibly John may have three horses going to Dubai, so I might go and ride them in their first few races.
"I might then come back here in February and March, which should tune me up nicely for next season."
Reflecting on his partnership with O'Brien, for whom he rode 58 Group One winners, Kinane said: "It's been an outstanding chapter of my career and it's difficult to see another five or six years being as good again.
"I've been lucky to have been associated with some great horses and it's been a pleasure."
PA