Adrian Maguire's future as number one jockey for trainer David Nicholson is set to be resolved this week. It was reported yesterday that Richard Johnson was set to replace Maguire, with the latter stepping down to a "number two" role.

Colin Smith, boss of Ford Farm Racing, which owns Nicholson's Jackdaws Castle and employs both Nicholson and Maguire, was trying to clear the matter up.

"Adrian and myself will be having talks concerning his future here in the next few days, maybe this evening, when we will try and get this mess sorted out," he said.

"But if Adrian jacks it in as stable jockey at the yard in the next few days over what's been happening - and I don't blame him if he does - there will be no retained jockey at the yard for the rest of this season and possibly next season as well.

"If Adrian steps down from the job there are still plenty of owners in the yard who will want him to ride their horses.

"Admittedly there are a few owners, such as Darren Mercer who owns Escartefigue and Roger Baines who owns Zafarabad, who want Richard Johnson to ride for them but that does not mean that Richard is the new number one jockey at Jackdaws Castle or will be."

Trainer Tommy Stack was described as being in a "stable" condition yesterday as he fights a serious viral infection in hospital in Cork. "He is comfortable at the moment but the next 24 hours are vital," said a spokesperson.

A spokeswoman at Stack's Thomastown Castle base in Co Tipperary said yesterday: "The doctors are happy with his progress. There has been some improvement and his condition has stabilised."