Richard Quinn, newly-appointed jockey to Henry Cecil for the 2000 Flat season, yesterday described his new post as "the best job in the country".

It was announced on Tuesday that Quinn, riding as a freelance this season after 17 years as stable jockey to Paul Cole, will replace Kieren Fallon, sacked by Cecil in the wake of newspaper reports of an adulterous affair between the trainer's wife and a "top jockey", at Warren Place.

Giving his reaction to the news at Goodwood yesterday, Quinn said: "I had a telephone call from Mr Cecil literally hours previously, and then I read it in the paper this morning.

"It is the best job in the country. He has had all those top horses over the years and every year he produces other ones.

"It is unfortunate, the circumstances it was offered under, but we have just got to make the best of it. It is very exciting."

The new post makes Quinn favourite to win his first jockeys' title next season, and he has not yet given up hope of catching Fallon, whom he trails by 27 victories, this year.

"It is a long way to the end of the season - you never know," he added. "Anything is possible - it is only July. I will take every day as it comes and try to do my best."