Murphy and Russell have ended their association as the rider has failed to sever his Irish links.

The West Witton-based trainer told the Racing Post: “We need a stable jockey and he’s riding in Ireland at weekends and not getting back here on Mondays, which causes problems.

“He’s had a few injuries in Ireland and our owners were getting anxious about it. We haven’t fallen out or anything and he’ll still ride for us but we will be using the best riders available for the moment.”

Matters apparently came to a head on Sunday when Russell travelled to Ireland for five mounts at Fairyhouse while Murphy was not keen on him going.

He added: “With Truckers Tavern running at Cheltenham we were conscious of the fact that he’s picked up a lot of injuries in Ireland.

“He’s trying to get his foot in the door there and probably trying too hard. It’s a good man who can do one job well but no man can do two jobs well. I have to do the best for my owners.”

Russell is understandably disappointed to lose the job and added: “I don’t think I did an awful lot wrong. A jockey’s career is short enough, so you have to make the most of it. It’s hard in a way because I was just starting to get established in England.”