Atzeni (pictured), who recently rode Qatar Racing's first British Classic winner - Simple Verse - who won Doncaster's Ladbrokes St Leger, has expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Fahad for agreeing to terminate the contract from the end of this year. In 2016 Atzeni will be associated with the stable of trainer Roger Varian, who trains for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid.

David Redvers, Qatar Racing's manager said: "We are naturally disappointed that Andrea has decided to leave his job with Qatar Racing. He was contracted with us for two years and we were pleased with how everything was progressing.

"However, we do not want to stand in his way and have therefore released him as from the end of the year, and we wish him well next season. In the meantime Andrea - along with Oisin [Murphy] - will continue riding for Qatar Racing in accordance with their contracts."