RacingThe dramatic series of twists and turns that have resulted in Jamie Spencer taking over the Ballydoyle hot seat for 2004 have done nothing to diminish his predecessor's popularity with punters.

Michael Kinane's four winners at Leopardstown on Saturday guaranteed the 13-times champion a seventh century and helped persuade those watching that his championship roll is far from finished.

Cashmans bookmaker's original offer of 8 to 1 on Kinane landing title number 14 next year was snapped up faster than John Oxx moved to secure the champion's services.

Yesterday that 8 to 1 about Kinane had diminished all the way to 7 to 2, with Spencer a 4 to 7 favourite and Pat Smullen remarkably settled at 11 to 4.

Such stability is something John Murtagh can only dream of as regards his weight. His weight problems meant he was unable to commit to Oxx so the game of musical chairs has ended with Kinane at Currabeg, Spencer at Ballydoyle and Murtagh facing a lonely battle to regain control over the scales.

Murtagh hopes to ride on a freelance basis next year and Oxx said: "He intends to ride as a freelance but he is not sure how things are going to go for him.

"He needs to start enjoying race-riding again. He said he is enjoying it once he gets one a horse in the parade ring but getting to that stage was a nightmare for him. I think he has made the right decision and I hope it will prolong his career."

Kinane (44), has no plans to retire and stressed he believes he will ride for Aidan O'Brien again when available.

"I retain all the enthusiasm I had when I was a kid and I see no reason why I should stop now. I can still fight it out with the best of them," Kinane said.