Walter Swinburn announced yesterday that he will miss the start of the Flat turf season three weeks today. But the three-time Derby-winning jockey has ruled out retirement and is confident that he will beat his problems.

Swinburn, who made a successful return from a 10-month "sabbatical" last year, has been out of action since August, 1998 after recurring difficulties with his weight.

A statement issued yesterday from his family home, Genesis Green Stud in Newmarket, said: "Walter Swinburn is still working towards a resumption of his riding career and is engaged in a long-term programme with experts and counsellors aimed at resolving the major problem of his weight.

"It is taking longer than expected and has not been easy. However, he is still very positive about returning to race-riding and is dedicated to achieving that goal, although unfortunately it will not be in time for the start of the Flat season on March 25th.

"No target date has been fixed - and will not be fixed - until he and his advisors are satisfied that he has achieved a riding weight that he can sustain for not only the rest of the 1999 season but for a career that, hopefully, has many more seasons to run.

"Meanwhile, Walter thanks everyone for their interest and for observing his request for privacy, and trusts that his and the family's wishes will continue to be respected until there this something definite to report."

The 37-year-old gave up riding last August in order to overcome recurrent weight problems.

He had returned from 306 days on the sidelines in February of last year and rode 51 winners in Britain before taking his latest break.

All-conquering Martin Pipe was yesterday quoted as short as 5 to 2 to draw a blank at the Cheltenham Festival.

Coral have opened a book on the number of Festival winners sent out by the champion trainer, who has landed a record-equalling four at the meeting in each of the last two years. Favourite at 2 to 1 is one winner.

Adrian Maguire will desert David Nicholson again on Saturday. He is staying loyal to Major Bell in the Pertemps Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster, even though his former employer has Baronet engaged in the £20,000-added contest.

Maguire incurred Nicholson's wrath by riding at Musselburgh last Saturday rather than partnering Forest Ivory at Haydock.