By MIKE DILLON
One of racing's greatest marriages, trainer Roger James and rider Vinny Colgan, has cooled.
A huge split in the partnership was created yesterday when Colgan lost the ride on outstanding galloper Zonda in the $150,000 The Oaks Classic at Ellerslie next Tuesday.
Instead, top visiting Melbourne rider Damien Oliver will take the mount.
Colgan partnered Zonda to a stunning win in Tuesday's $50,000 King's Plate at Ellerslie and has been the regular rider of the six-year-old gelding throughout his career.
James was last night playing down the fact Colgan had lost the prized position as No 1 rider for his powerful Kingsclere Stable.
But he admitted the relationship had taken a backward step.
James denied persistent rumours that he had wanted to replace Colgan with another leading rider on Danamite, the favourite for Tuesday's $350,000 Mercedes Derby at Ellerslie.
Colgan, who had won the Avondale Guineas on Danamite, gave the horse every chance in the Derby, but Danamite faded to finish just behind the placed horses.
Colgan and James have won a long list of New Zealand's best races.
They combined to win the Derby with Roysyn, Zonda and Hades.
Then, at Moonee Valley three years ago, Zonda and Colgan took out the Alister Clarke Stakes.
"Vinny is not sacked and I have never been disappointed.with any of his rides for me, but application and team work are very important to me," said James.
In recent times Lance O'Sullivan has been the rider of outstanding mare One Under.
O'Sullivan will retain that spot for the $150,000 Highview Stud Trophy at Ellerslie on January 2.
"Lance will continue with that association," said James.
The Matamata trainer was keen to point out that he has several high-profile chances for the last two days of the Ellerslie carnival and Colgan will be riding those horses.
"I've got horses like Piper Star, Spottswoode, Lunette and Emerald Dream, all of whom Vinny will be on, and all of whom have realistic chances of success."
James said part of the consideration in putting Oliver and not Colgan on Zonda was that the horse was almost certain to undertake a serious Melbourne campaign after next week's race.
Because of that, the Kingsclere camp wanted Oliver's presence.
"Almost the same syndicate as the one which races Zonda won the [Victoria] Derby with So Casual," said James. "Damien Oliver was in the saddle at that time and to have Damien on in Melbourne made sense to them."
Losing the financial lifeline of being No 1 rider for Roger James must play heavily on Colgan's mind.
James said Zonda had done exceptionally well since winning the King's Plate on Boxing Day and expected him to parade a much fitter horse on Tuesday, when he is likely to be favourite for The Oaks Classic.
Racing: Colgan loses ride on Zonda
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