RUMOURS that Willie Carson will vacate his position as first jockey to Hamdan Al Maktoum on his return from injury were yesterday dismissed as "pure speculation" by Sheikh Hamdan's racing manager Angus Gold.
Gold went onto say: "Nobody can say what is going to happens let's just wait and see if Willie will continue riding then it is up to Sheikh Hamdan.
"Nothing has been discussed yet. If Willie is back on his feet and riding, and Sheikh Hamdan wants Willie Carson to ride for him, then that is fine.
"There is no point discussing it for a couple of months, and everyone is wasting their time and energy, added Gold. It is all premature and there will be no decision in the immediate future."
Earlier this year Carson dropped the broadest hint yet that this season would be his last.
A return to action in December would leave the veteran only a handful of all weather fixtures remaining for 1996, which would represent a low key end to his all conquering career.
Carson has yet to announce his future plans and a decision as to who will have first choice from Sheikh Hamdan's powerful armoury of equine talent, including current 2000 Guineas favourite Bahhare, will not be made until later in the year.
Carson was still in intensive care last night and a spokeswoman for the North Hampshire Hospital said last night: "We do not expect to make any more updates until tomorrow morning at 9.30."
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