Cashmans have stopped betting on who will be appointed the new stable jockey to Aidan O'Brien after seeing a flood of money for Darryll Holland.

The rider started the day as a 3 to 1 chance but had been cut to as short as 1 to 3 before the book was closed.

Spokesman Joe Burke said: "The betting would suggest it was a done deal. We have no confirmation of that whatsoever but he was the only one anybody wanted today. We just haven't laid anybody else so we have had to stop betting on it."

Holland, currently a freelance, last week cut short his stint in Hong Kong.

Paddy Power also saw what they described as a "huge plunge" on Holland. The rider started the day as a 3 to 1 but ended it as clear 4 to 6 market leader, with Johnny Murtagh eased right out to 2 to 1 from 4 to 6 and Kieren Fallon 4 to 1 from 3s.

The hot seat at Ballydoyle became vacant after the shock resignation of Jamie Spencer at the weekend. And speaking for the first time since, Spencer outlined his future plans in a statement yesterday.

"I will be riding as a freelance in 2005. I am greatly looking forward to renewing my associations with the many trainers for whom I have ridden winners in the past and to forging new links with other trainers," he said.

"I'm excited about what promises to be a very busy season for me, starting with my rides for David Loder at Lingfield tomorrow.

"I would like to thank John Magnier, Michael Tabor and the other owners for their support throughout my time at Ballydoyle and to wish them well in the future. I look forward to riding for them again as the opportunity arises."

Coolmore supremo John Magnier insisted they are no nearer to finding a replacement. "I haven't given it any thought. Really, it was the last thing we had on our minds, but our policy would be to get the best available. We also have Seamus Heffernan (at Ballydoyle)," Magnier told the Daily Telegraph.

Magnier, whose wife Sue owns a number of top horses at Ballydoyle, was surprised by the news that Spencer was leaving.

However, he offered Spencer a personal vote of confidence and added that the rider may well partner some of his horses that are trained in other yards.

He added: "I'm disappointed we've lost Jamie Spencer. He's a lovely fellow. I obviously didn't think we would be in this situation at this time, but it's one of those things. It's a free world."