Cauthen Turns Down Contract to Ride for Sheikh Mohammed

Jockey Steve Cauthen turned down a contract extension with Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum’s Darley Stud Management and might quit riding in Britain, his agent said Monday.

Cauthen was in his native Kentucky, but his agent, John Hanmer, said: “Steve was offered a retainer for the year by Sheikh Mohammed, but turned it down. As no one else would be able to offer him anything like that retainer. . . . I have my doubts as to whether he will return.”

Anthony Stroud, the sheik’s racing manager, said of Cauthen: “It is with regret that we will not be renewing our association, but we are parting on the best of terms and we wish him a very successful future.”

Cauthen, 32, was champion jockey in Britain in 1984, 1985 and 1987. He rode 188 winners during his partnership with Sheikh Mohammed over the past two years.

Cauthen started his career at New York’s Aqueduct race track. He won the 1978 Triple Crown aboard Affirmed and a year later moved to Britain.